While at the Isegeretoto Primary school in Malaba, Western Kenya the CEA held its second chess tournament.  This was also the first program with primary school children.  Along with the help of Ashley Salerno, who picked up running the tournament after I left and took these pictures, the two day competition went smoothly and we were able to award first second and third places to several students.

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Students thinking hard during the chess tournament

Students thinking hard during the chess tournament

Nearly 35 students, boys and girls, signed up for the double elimination tournament.  To finish within a reasonable time we had to borrow several chess boards from the Kakemer Resource Center, another CEA program we were running in the area.  With seven boards total we were able to finish in two days.

Final match at the Isegeretoto's first chess tourn

Final match at the Isegeretoto's first chess tourn

Above, a few students face off in the heated finals mat

First, Second, Third and Fourth place at the chess tourn

First, Second, Third and Fourth place at the chess tourn

First, Second and Third place all got trophies while fourth also got an honorable mention in the following Monday’s student assembly.  In front of the entire primary school the four students got their rightful recognition for all of their hard work and clever playing.  The tournament was definitely a success and created a lot of interest.  Both students and faculty were very excited for next semester’s tournament, which they will be administering.

Thank you,

Paul Chiariello