Prevention First to Hold Ninth Annual ChessFest in Asbury Park
with Special Guest Appearance by International Grandmaster Maurice Ashley!

Asbury Park, NJ, July 24, 2008 — Prevention First, a Monmouth County non-profit organization, will host the return of the wildly successful 9th Annual ChessFest 2008 on Saturday, September 27, 2008 in Asbury Park’s Convention Hall (5th Street and Ocean Avenue) from 10:00am to 2:00pm. This fun-filled event for children, ages 5 to 18, is designed to spark interest about the game of chess.

This year, the event will again be featuring special guest, International Grandmaster Maurice Ashley. Ashley was named 2003 Grandmaster of the Year by the U.S. Chess Federation. He is the published author of Chess for Success and designer of an award-winning chess tutorial for CD-ROM, Maurice Ashley Teaches Chess. He also spends his time making appearances all over the country speaking to young people and adults about chess and its benefits.

ChessFest 2008, presented this year by Verizon, will also showcase other champion chess masters and experts from around the state who will work with all registered participants. Beginners will learn the basics of chess, and those who are more knowledgeable about the game will have their skills tested in friendly competition. Trophies will be awarded to those who checkmate or draw the chess masters. Registration is free, and the first 100 children to register will receive a free chess set and ChessFest t-shirt.

Onlookers are invited to join the festivities and watch the featured event, the “Human Chess Game,” which will begin at 12:30pm. This unique and fun game features children and chess masters as actual playing figures on a life-sized chessboard. There will also be an exhibition of blind-fold chess where one chess expert will play against several children without looking at the chess board!

Prevention First created ChessFest nine years ago, with the initial goal of keeping children drug-free through adulthood by having them focus on healthy activities, such as the game of chess. John Szeliga, Prevention First board member and External Affairs Director of event sponsor Verizon, states, “We are proud to sponsor this year’s ChessFest. Chess teaches strategy and analytical thinking in a way that video games and other available interests today cannot. When youth are at risk to succumbing to drug or gang influences, chess may be the help needed when they are struggling to outwit, outthink and outmaneuver those who do not have their best interests at heart.” Chess encourages logical thinking, increases cognitive skills and teaches concentration. It also provides children with a forum in which to display aggressive behavior in a socially acceptable way while improving self-confidence. NIDA (National Institute of Drug Abuse) studies prove that children with hobbies are 45 percent less likely to get involved with drug use.

To register for ChessFest 2008, click here. For more information, please call Barbara Sprechman at 732.663.1800 extension 211.

Prevention First is a nonprofit agency committed to strengthening the foundations of children and families, empowering them to successfully handle every day difficult situations as well as extraordinary challenges such as violence and substance abuse. The agency provides research-based preventative educational programs that furnish parents, teachers, and community/business leaders with tools that will help children make healthy, responsible decisions. For more information about Prevention First programs, visit www.preventionfirst.net

Video from 2007