From the Yankees and Hip Hop to the Zoo, the Botanical Gardens and some of the best educational institutions in the country, the Bronx is home to many of the most culturally important organizations, movements and institutions in the world and in history.
Over the last few years, the borough has witnessed a growth in non-stereotypical activities, including lacrosse and chess.
Yes, we said chess.
Over the past few years, Chess In Schools (CIS) has been working with public schools across New York City to teach more than 6,000 students the game.
On Saturday, December 7th, the Bronx Borough President’s Office and Borough President Vanessa Gibson hosted the 3rd Annual Bronx Borough President’s Cup-Chess In Schools Tournament at P.S. 70 in the borough.
Well over 600 students from 14 Elementary Schools, 9 Middle Schools, 12 High Schools and 15 Charter Schools across the Bronx participated in the all-day tournament, an event not many would assume would be hosted in the borough.
Despite explosive growth and gentrification, the Bronx still suffers from misperceptions and stereotypes of the borough’s neighborhoods and residents. Many incorrectly assume that it’s still a crime-riddled borough featured in 70s movies.
That’s because they don’t know the Bronx or heard about the great things it houses, like this annual chess tournament that brings schools, students and parents together.
“I really wanted to bring back this amazing Chess Tournament for you all today,” said Borough President Gibson to kick off the event. “We understand how important it is to really provide our youth with different ways to really express themselves and some of you do that by playing the game of chess.”
Through the program and the annual event, CIS is enabling students to not only learn a new game but also strategy, patience and thinking. It also creates a new activity for students that will keep them engaged, learning and out of trouble.
They also help students find a new path, something that can often be challenging due to some of the neighborhoods these students live in.
Chess isn’t about athletic talent but about thinking, which makes it accessible. That’s why there are many clubs based in the Bronx that are teaching the game to residents of all ages.
As the Tournament continues to grow, more students will be able to participate in it. More importantly, they will get involved in chess throughout the year through clubs and organizations that are based in the borough.
With the success of this year’s tournament, year four looks to be even bigger and better.
