This morning was our Annual Infants Chess Tournament – open to Upper 1st and 2nd Class children. We had 25 children registered, which was wonderful. Tim Priest from Sydney Academy of Chess – who is our Coach for our Senior Chess Class, ran the competition very efficiently and informatively. It was run using the Swiss Perfect system, as per any official tournament. All of the children played with Chess Clocks and learnt how to read the ‘Draw’ and the results and also about the chess etiquette for tournaments.
Some of the 2nd class Children had been in the tournament last year, and a small number of other children had other compeition experience, but we also had a lot of first-timers. The energy and enthusiasm was contagious and the spirit in which they played five matches of Chess was incredible – such great focus for such young children. One Upper 1st child was heard to exclaim after the second Round of the tournament “I am having so much fun! This is my first ever Chess Tournament in my life!”
After five rounds of Chess the winner was Siddhartha B with a perfect score of 5/5, followed very closely in second by Ella H on 4.5 and Dominic S on 4 – all from 2nd Class. They were presented their trophies by Mrs Donald, who’s support during the tournament was instrumental in its smooth running. Other special ‘Smiggle’ rewards were given to Finlay S who tied for 4th and was the strongest performer from Upper 1st. Also in 4th was Ava H from year 2, then Jackson M (2nd class) and Jasmine E (Upper 1st). Awards were also given to Sachin K and Duke C for their sportsmanship and enthusiasm during the Tournament. Siddhartha will be presented with the Perpetual Infants Chess Trophy on Speech Night.
Next Friday we will run our Primary Chess Tournament, which is open to Chess Club members and other children competent at Chess. Please encourage your Chess enthusiasts to pass on their interest to their teachers.
