Monsignor Leo Cleary CES hosts first family of schools chess tournament
May 14, 2024
“Checkmate.”
The Monsignor Leo Cleary Catholic Elementary School gym was transformed into a chess hub as it hosted the first family of schools chess tournament on Friday, May 11. Thirty-two students from six schools participated in a round robin tournament with primary, junior, and intermediate divisions.
Grade 6 student Stavros Bodnariuc played a large part in the creation of Monsignor Leo Cleary CES’ chess club as he brought the idea forward to his teacher Stephen Westlake. “One day my family brought home a chess board and I started the game there. I saw my cousin’s school had a chess team and my aunt helped run a tournament so we wanted to bring it here,” said Bodnariuc.
Working with Luke MacDonald, a teacher at St. Stephen Catholic Secondary School, Westlake and Bodnariuc worked to encourage other schools to participate in the competition with their own chess clubs.
“This tournament gives kids that don’t always have a chance to shine, the opportunity to show their talents and be celebrated for them,” said Westlake. “Traditionally competition is seen in sports at the elementary level, but this has really given those who may not participate in sports a chance to thrive.”
Throughout the day, students participated in friendly competition amongst peers over a chess board, with a few parents in attendance keeping a watchful, yet supportive presence for their child.
Throughout the day, students participated in friendly competition amongst peers over a chess board, with a few parents in attendance keeping a watchful, yet supportive presence for their child.
Grade 3 student Noah Lewis had his parents in attendance, with his father John Lewis speaking to his excitement for the day. “Noah got into chess about a year ago and was invited to participate in the Holy Family chess club. Today, he was super excited to be able to participate and compete against other students who share the same love for a non-mainstream game.”
Each division awarded a first and second place medal to winners, with one student taking home the grand champion trophy.
“The next thing from here would be to work with educators from other families of schools to have this competition offered at the Board-wide level, similar to the robotics competition,” said Westlake. “It has been a great experience providing the opportunity for students to excel at chess.”