FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kaleidoscope Discovery Center
Phone: 573-201-5189
Email: martina@thekaleidoscope.org
Kaleidoscope Discovery Center Hosts Successful Youth Chess Clinic and Tournament
Rolla, MO – On October 11, 2024, the Kaleidoscope Discovery Center proudly hosted a Youth US Chess Federation-rated scholastic chess clinic and tournament, marking the return of competitive youth chess to Rolla. This event brought together young chess enthusiasts from across the region, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and strategic competition.
Students participated in a morning clinic led by Mr. Tim Campbell of the Mid-Missouri Chess Academy, focusing on formal chess notation and clockwork. The clinic provided valuable insights into the essential
skills of recording moves and managing time during play, equipping participants with tools to enhance their competitive edge.
Following the clinic, the afternoon tournament kicked off featuring three rounds of competition play among students from across the region. Players showcased their skills and determination, representing a diverse range of talent within the local chess community. Participants were eager to test their abilities and enjoy the thrill of friendly competition. Mr. Tim Campell, tournament director, was joined by John Stratton and Rana Hudson of Dent RIII schools, and Rolla’s own chess legend, Selden Trimble.
Competition winners included:
High School
- 1st Place: Vahin Prasad, Rolla
6th-8th Grades
- 1st Place: Parker Long, Salem
- 2nd Place: Jayse Potts, Salem
- 3rd Place: Reva Kulkarni, Columbia
- 4th Place: Luke Yang, Rolla
- Honorable Mention: Alexander Johnston, Salem
- Honorable Mention: Nathan Hartle, Salem
- Honorable Mention: Aadita Bhat, Columbia
- Honorable Mention: Carter Hayes, Salem
- Honorable Mention: Alexander Bo, Rolla
- Honorable Mention: Nico Gueco, Rolla
4-5 Grades
- 1st Place: Ritvik Kulkarni, Columbia
- 2nd Place: Luke Hubbs, Salem
- 3rd Place: Arina Lin, Rolla
K-3rd Grades
- 1st Place: Rishi Kulkarni, Columbia
- 2nd Place: Sara Kim, Rolla
- 3rd Place: Sophia Kim, Rolla
- 4th Place: Marco Gueco, Rolla
- Honorable Mention: Alden Lin
Students participating in the morning clinic included: Marco Gueco, Nico Gueco, Carter Hayes, Luke Hobbs, Alexander Johnston, Sara Kim, Sophia Kim, Alden Lin, Arina Lin, Parker Long, Jayse Potts, and Flynn Stacy.
Registration fees for the competition included the free morning clinic and also an annual membership to the US Chess Federation. “We are thrilled to see such enthusiasm for chess in our community,” said Martina Baur of the Kaleidoscope Discovery Center. “This event reflects our commitment to fostering educational and engaging opportunities for youth, and we’re delighted to be a part of the revitalization of competitive chess in our area.”
The tournament concluded with an awards ceremony, where top performers were recognized for their achievements. The event not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and the joy of learning through competition.
The Kaleidoscope Discovery Center currently hosts a Monday after school scholastic Chess club and, additionally, the Mid-Missouri Chess Academy teaches one-hour, small group lessons on Mondays from 4-8 p.m. Focusing on STEM areas, the Kaleidoscope looks forward to hosting future chess events, aiming to inspire and develop the next generation of chess players in Rolla and beyond. For more information about upcoming events, visit www.thekaleidoscope.org/scholastic-chess
About Kaleidoscope Discovery Center
The Kaleidoscope Discovery Center is dedicated to providing enriching educational STEM experiences for children and families in the Rolla community. Through a variety of programs, workshops, and events, the center promotes learning, creativity, and collaboration.
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For further details, please contact us at info@thekaleidocope.org