With the grant funds I purchased an additional 10 regulation chess clocks and 5 more regulation chess sets. I now have a total of 15 regulation chess sets and 15 regulation chess clocks. Face Book membership has increased from 59 to 144. Of those memberships regular chess players has increased from 16 to 44. We continue to attract people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. We have held 4 CFC rated Chess Tournaments this year and the attendance raged from a high of 9 people to a low of 6 people. In addition to our regular weekly chess club meets at K-Max Videos we have regular causal afternoon chess sessions at two local coffee shops (Ganville’s and The Den) and LeBourdais Park. The public is encouraged to chat or join in with us. All of our activities are posted in social media and word of mouth. The public is informed that all chess coaching is free and all chess equipment is supplied by Small Neighbourhood Grants. We are slowly developing a European culture style of street chess in Quesnel. Many people in the community seem to love it. We get lots of smiles and encouragement. We are attracting chess players from Prince George and from Wells.
I started a youth division of the chess club at the local library this September. We meet once per week in the afternoon from 3pm till 4:30pm. I offer free teaching/coaching. I have 10 new students. The parents love this opportunity. The Library is quite happy too. The library has agreed to give continued time and space for the rest of the winter. I will be holding a first city wide youth chess tournament by next spring.
In summary we have continued to grow in numbers and we have frequent CFC rated tournaments. The Quesnel Chess Club is established for the long term. The community is becoming aware of a new social connection. Thank you for your support.
