More than 100 chess enthusiasts from Toronto elementary schools will gather at Harbourfront centre to compete for the Masters Trophy during the Team Chess Finals on April 6.
The finals, held in partnership with Harbourfront Centre Camps, is run by principal Peter Boross-Harmer. Boross-Harmer has been playing chess for over 35 years and continues to pursue a competitive chess career, where he has reached the level of master.
Many of the students in next month's finals are alumni of the Harbourfront's Chess Challenge Camp, where Boross-Harmer offers chess instruction to students from the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Campers are taught elementary techniques such as how to open a game, defend a piece, checkmate, avoid stalemate and more, while experienced players pick up additional tips to improve their game.
The Team Chess Finals are the culmination of four tournaments held throughout March. The top eight schools from the primary division (grades 1 to 3), junior division (grades 4 to 6) and senior division (grades 7 and 8) will compete in the round robin games. Five players from each top school will participate and the top three school teams from each division will win awards.
The Team Chess Finals will be held Monday, April 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Harbourfront Centre on Queens Quay West.