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 2007 Eagles Chess Tournament
On Thursday, April 26, 2007, more than 200 scholastic chess players gathered at Lincoln Financial Field to compete in the fourth annual Eagles Chess Tournament, sponsored by Eagles Youth Partnership, ASAP [After-School Activities Partnership] and the Philadelphia Chess Challenge. Six Eagles players found eager coaches in scholastic chess players from the Philadelphia School District. Middle school and high school players competed in an all-day rated tournament, and had the opportunity to meet and play against such Eagles players as long snapper Jon Dorenbos, quarterback A.J. Feeley, linebacker Chris Gocong, guard Todd Herremans, punter Saverio Rocca and fullback Thomas Tapeh.  A number of students gathered at the players' elbows, advising them on the best moves. Herremans, for one, was surprised how talented the young players were."I'm actually surprised how good all of the kids are," said Herremans. "I struggled to get a win out of here. I think it's great that they learn a game like this. It makes them concentrate, not just on the next thing they do, but the consequences of that. It doesn't only help them in this game, it helps them in athletics and in life in general. When they're that young it can help them accelerate their minds instead of slowing them down." What could be more exciting to an eighth grader than teaching Eagles players to play chess?! This partnership of Eagles Youth Partnership, ASAP (After-School Activities Partnership) and the Philadelphia Chess Challenge encourages chess play in Philadelphia Public Schools with the goal of enhancing children's critical and strategic thinking skills. There is strong evidence that chess builds a variety of skills including reading, analysis, decision making and self control, while it enhances self esteem. Make your move. If you want to join the Eagles and Eagles Youth Partnership in making Philadelphia a chess city, DONATE NOW. |
