Chess as a school sport is climbing higher in the ranks as McAuley College held its inaugural chess competition on November 14 through Gardiner Chess.
A total of 58 participants filled the shed as students from San Damiano College, Emmaus College, Boonah State High School and McAuley battled for gold.
Teacher-Librarian Melanie Burr organised the event, saying the school’s Chess Club has grown quite successful over the years.
“We have been participating in the Gardiner Chess competition at various Gold Coast schools since 2018 and have been taking bigger teams each term since our first competition,” she said.
“Our students have grown from strength to strength this year, but what’s most impressive is the teamship and respect the students display on the day.”
McAuley’s chess team started with two players in 2017 and has now become a burgeoning team of over 20 players.
From players ranging through Year 7 to 12, Mrs Burr appreciates schools considering chess as an option for students.
McAuley students Euan Bamford Finnie and Eli Easton participated in the school’s chess competition, with Euan finishing first overall.
“I’ve never come first individually before and I’ve never won all my games, but now I’m very tired and my brain is not fully braining,” Euan said.
Euan’s mother first taught him how to play chess when he was younger, and he has been playing the game at school since Grade Two.
Although he has played in previous chess competitions, Euan enjoyed being able to play at school and even reconnect with the opposition, who were some of his old school friends.
“I like playing chess, but I like meeting new people that are like-minded. It’s a good community to have around,” he said.
Eli is fairly new to the game – he thought playing chess would be a good alternative to physical sport.
“I first started playing chess two years ago. I didn’t think much of it, and then I came to McAuley, and it was too hot, so I just went inside,” Eli said.
“I wanted to do something instead of reading a book, and it was chess – it felt good being able to play chess with random people.”
