Two Varnett chess students joined other Houston area youth, teenagers and adults to participate in the Sugar Land Chess Festival this past weekend.
Students Jacob Miles, a sixth-grader, and his brother, Roland Hunter, a second-grader, are members of the Varnett chess team from the Southwest campus. Hundreds of people were in attendance.
A typical city, state or national Scholastic Chess Tournament can be stressful to participants. Winning games is paramount, especially when metals and trophies are at stake.
The Sugar Land Chess Festival is the opposite of that. It's an environment for friendly competition and making new friends.
A Grandmaster, the highest-class chess player, was also in attendance to give brief lessons and encourage novice players.
Thanks to coaches Richard Burton and James Hudson for arranging our students to participate!
The next tournament will be on March 25 at Bruce Elementary in Houston.
Story and photos by Mr. Richard Burton, Varnett chess coach