Asbury Park Chess Fest 2010

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, in Convention Hall in Asbury Park, Prevention First will host the 11th Annual ChessFest. This free family event was created to help children develop an interest in a healthy activity that engages their mind and attention and keeps them away from substance abuse and violence. Chess helps children develop valuable life skills, such as how to think strategically, resolve conflicts and delay gratification. More than just an enjoyable game, chess an activity that aids in the development of logic, reasoning, problem-solving, memory, concentration, visualization, critical thinking, patience and determination.

Onlookers are invited to join in the festivities and watch the featured event, the Human Chess Game, which will begin at 12:30pm. In this unique and lively game, children and chess masters move around a life-sized chessboard because they are the actual playing pieces! ChessFest volunteers will be on hand to provide instruction to children who want to learn to play chess, and the first 100 children to register will receive free chess sets and boards donated by the NJ State Chess Federation. During the event, chess masters and experts will be playing simultaneous chess games with the children who will be playing for awards, trophies and fun.

This year’s event will feature Andrew Ng, a 14-year-old chess master from Monmouth County! Andrew plays in the US Chess League as a member of the NJ Knockouts Chess Team.

To register for ChessFest 2010, 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