» Did You Know?

International Master Chess Player Lives in P.G. County

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 20:49:16 +0000

International Master Oladapo Adu is a very talented chess player from Nigeria who lives in Prince George’s County. He is working diligently to meet the qualifications for the coveted title of International Grand Master. In August, Mr. Adu will compete in tournaments in Trinidad and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Be Someone

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:48:09 +0000

In Atlanta, GA there is a former state trooper who has dedicated his life to encouraging and teaching young people about the game of chess. His name is Orrin Hudson. A number of years ago, Mr. Hudson started a program called “Be Someone,” which is on its way to reaching his goal of teaching a million kids around the world about chess and the personal life skills that can be developed when you learn to play.

Sports Illustrated has a teen issue, and Mr. Hudson is on the cover of the current issue.

Black International Grand Masters

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:35:16 +0000

There are now three Black International Grand Masters in the world today. Maurice Ashley is the first and only American. Carisson Pontus from Sweden and Sabure Tuduelso from Africa qualified in 2008. There is another African, Simutowe Armon, who has met all of the qualifications and is waiting to be granted the International Grand Master designation.

Susan Polgar 2009 Nat’l Open Chess Tournament Winner

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:58:51 +0000

A young African-American girl, named Diamond Abdus-Shakoor, won all seven of the games she played at the Susan Polgar 2009 National Open Chess tournament. As a result, she will represent her home state of Ohio in the Polar National Invitational for girls. Diamond is in the second grade and has been playing chess for less than a year.

First Lady Played Chess As a Child

Fri, 01 May 2009 19:54:49 +0000

According to the Historical Collector’s Edition featuring First Lady Michelle Obama, published by Patricia Ann Publishing Inc., Mrs. Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, played chess when they were children.

Grand Masters

Fri, 01 May 2009 19:52:06 +0000

On March 15, 1999, Maurice Ashley became the first Black chess player to reach the rank of International Grand Master. Ashley is one of nearly 800 Grand Masters and one of three Black Grand Masters in the world today. In 2003, the U.S. Chess Federation named Mr. Ashley Grand Master of the Year.

All-Girls Open National Championships

Fri, 01 May 2009 19:45:55 +0000

The sixth annual All-Girls Open National Championships was held in Dallas, TX on April 24-26. The University of Texas at Dallas has established an Academic Distinction Scholarship for the winner of the 18-years-old and younger section. The scholarship is valued at $80,000 for an out-of-state student. Last year this scholarship was won by an African-American junior from New York.