Council Member Mark Levine Sponsors Chess Tournament For 600 NYC Youth

This past Saturday, March 11th, 2017, over 600 K-12 students from across New York City competed in the first-ever Council Member Mark Levine Chess Challenge in partnership with the non-profit Chess in the Schools program.

Council member Mark Levine held his first ever Chess Challenge for New York City K-12 students. Over 600 students attended the event and each played several rounds of chess across multiple sections of rated and unrated players. At the end of the tournament the Council Member Levine awarded trophies to the winning competitors. This tournament was one of over 30 free chess tournaments that Chess in the Schools hosts each year.

“For many students across New York City, the game of chess has been a doorway into a wider world in intellectual curiosity and development. The school and afterschool programs as well as the tournaments hosted by Chess in the Schools prove that true by providing havens of support and promoting self-esteem, critical thinking and sportsmanship for everyone involved. I was honored to host and fund this tournament and to continue the longstanding and positive relationship between Chess in the Schools and the New York City Council,” Council Member Mark Levine said,

Debbie Eastburn, President and CEO, Chess in the Schools said, ​“Chess in the Schools is extremely proud to host the first-ever Council Member Mark Levine Chess Challenge. We’re incredibly thankful that Council Member Levine was able to participate in this momentous event and deliver remarks to the hundreds of New York City Public School students that participated today. This tournament, as well as the dozens of other 100% free chess tournaments that Chess in the Schools hosts each year, would not be possible without the generous support of Council Member Levine, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the entire New York City Council.”