Chess Tournament Term 2

 
I wanted to share with you my comments and feedback for the Chess Tournament we held at Parakai School today.
 
I felt the day was a great success! The event ran very smoothly with everybody enjoying the excitement. Each student played 7 games in all. I have attached photos of all the Prize Winners and a few extra's. Unfortunately the camera was on a setting that made the sunlight come in too bright. If you would like printable versions of any photos please let me know. I have also recorded video footage which is available here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DhlWxiSiEE.
 
It is hard to describe the feeling of the day. So much went on! So many different little personalities interacting in so many ways. It was a real joy to see Chess bringing the kids together. I think all the kids put their hands up wanting to play in another Chess tournament so I think they enjoyed it. Even my son Liam was so excited when we got home he wanted to play and said he was going to win!
 
I want to thank the teachers and parents that came to help on the day. 

I have attached both the individual results and team results. All the children that do Advanced Training came in as leaders so its good to see the additional training is working. Truman and Kumaa dominated the event neither losing a game which is remarkable. Helensville Primary won the tournament overall so they have qualified for the Finals in October - the venue is yet to be confirmed. And Marianne Birt played excellently coming 5th= overall as the top female player so I think she is a very happy girl.
 
Parakai came in strong with the Silver Price 2 1/2 points clear from 3rd place.
 
Silverdale School performed exceptionally well picking up the Bronze Team prize. Given I haven't started coaching there and they only put in a team of 4 players it is a wonderful result.
 
Huapai School missed on the bronze prize by only a half a point which is as close as it can get. I have a feeling Huapai will get a prize in the next tournament.
 
I want to make a special mention of Waioneke School. They have only just started learning Chess and only put in a very small team. It wasn't easy for them but I thought they had great fighting spirit and hung in there. Christopher Hill did very well getting a Credit Prize. So good on them for giving it a go.
 
We will be holding another tournament in Term 3. 

A little story: Keshava from Huapai kept falling off his chair. The last time he got hurt. So I helped him up and checked he was ok but in the process I got my jacket button stuck in his hair! I nearly ended up having to carry him around with me! ;-) The joys of being with kids.
 
  Warm Regards,


Paul Macdonald



88 Garfield Rd, Helensville 0800
Phone: + 64 9 420 6218
Mobile: +64 21 027 15577
Email: paul@chessartisans.co.nz
Website: www.chessartisans.co.nz