Searching for Girls who Play Chess
Move over Bobby Fischer! There are new chess players on the rise, and they’re competing in DC this Saturday! While female-only tournaments have their detractors, they are integral to increasing participation of more women and girls in the game. Although women have competed alongside men at top chess events since the late ’80s, there’s still a big participation and performance gap in the intellectual sport. Tackling gender disparities in chess is important; chess is not only fun, but it also builds confidence and improves STEM learning and strategic thinking skills. Let’s encourage girls to get into the game early on.
Here’s what we’re doing today:
If you know of any DC-based female chess players in grades K-12, encourage them to register for Saturday’s DC Scholastic Chess tournament. There’s a rated and unrated section! Do you know a young lady who is interested in chess but who isn’t ready to compete just yet? Encourage them to join Chess Girls DC, the host of Saturday’s tournament. Chess Girls DC develops local girls’ interest in chess through weekly chess classes, field trips, featured speakers, and access to regional and national chess tournaments.
Sample Tweets:
I’m going to cheer on aspiring chess masters at the District of Columbia All Girls Scholastic Cup! bit.ly/2otAxme #our100days
I’m investing in the new generation of female chess players with a donation to @chessgirls bit.ly/2nG5e8P #our100days