Murfreesboro, TN – Calling all chess prodigies! The Rutherford County Board of Education, in partnership with board members Caleb Tidwell and Claire Maxwell, Director of Schools Dr. James Sullivan, and Rutherford County Property Assessor Rob Mitchell, is thrilled to announce the "Tournament of High School Chess Champions." This exciting event will crown the ultimate chess champion from Rutherford County high schools.

Calling All Champions: Each Rutherford County high school has until Thursday, April 18th, 2024 at noon to register their champion. Schools can select their representative through a tournament or nomination process.

The Battleground Awaits: The inaugural tournament will take place on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, starting at 9:00 am at the Patterson Park Recreation and Event Center. The competition will follow a Swiss-style format, ensuring a thrilling day of strategic thinking and intellectual prowess.

More Than Just a Game: This initiative goes beyond the chessboard. Funded by grants secured from Marcus Lemonis, Chairman of Camping World, and others, the program aims to engage students in a mental exercise that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and strategic planning. Additionally, a grant from the State of Tennessee (Governor's office,pending) will support the implementation of a comprehensive teacher training program developed by the International Chess Federation. This program will empower educators to seamlessly integrate chess into their curriculum, enriching classroom experiences.

Witness History: The community is invited to witness the birth of a champion and celebrate the "Chess Revolution" sweeping through Rutherford County Schools. Join us at Patterson Park on April 20th and cheer on these young minds as they battle for chess supremacy!

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