20th Yarm Chess Championships

20th Yarm Chess Championships
27.9.2014

From the Yarm School press release...

Youngsters at Yarm Preparatory School have played host to local primary schools at the 20th Yarm Chess Tournament.

The championship saw 24 teams in action, battle their way through five highly competitive rounds in the Under-9 and Under-11 titles.

Competing schools included Errington, Ings Farm, Brambles, Throston, Whale Hill, Westgarth and John Emmerson Batty. Over 100 children took part in the tournament, which was organised by Sean Marsh from Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC.)

Yarm School A won the Under-9 section, just ahead of Whale Hill and Throston who were second and third respectively. Yarm School A were also successful in the Under-11 section, scoring a very impressive 18.5 points out of a possible 20. Errington School B came second and there was a three-way tie for third place, between Westgarth A, Westgarth D and Throston.

Bill Sawyer, Headmaster of Yarm Preparatory School, said: “It was a fantastic day for everyone taking part. Teams of boys and girls came from all over Teesside and everyone improved their game and gained valuable experience while also having a lot of fun. I would like to thank every pupil who took part as well as Chess in Schools and Communities for organising the tournament, which we were, as ever, delighted to host.”

Mr Sawyer added: “Extra-curricular activities are important to any student, and as a school we value them very highly. Tournaments like this one, deliver an opportunity for students to hone and demonstrate their skills, as well as providing them with valuable experience for future contests.”

Sean Marsh from Chess in Schools and Communities said: “It was great to see so many players from so many different schools enjoying playing chess, making new friends and enjoying the experience, whether they became champions or not.”

Yarm School regularly offers a range of extra-curricular opportunities to students, with clubs, societies and activities available at lunch times and after school for pupils.

As part of the 20th tournament celebrations, Sean Marsh signed copies of his recently launched book, The Batsford Book of Chess from Beginner to Winner.

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And to finish with, here are some photos from the prizegiving. All players received certificates and teams finishing in the top three places received extra certificates as well as books and medals, supplied by the CSC.

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