GALLERY: CHESS SPECIAL EVENTS
WELCOME RECEPTION FOR OUR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MAY 23, 2024
Friends and supporters of the National Scholastic Chess Foundation gathered once again on the breathtaking 26th-floor rooftop patio at the Rockport offices on Fifth Avenue. Their purpose was to honor another year of accomplishments and to raise funds to extend chess programs to students who might otherwise miss out on the myriad academic and social benefits the game offers. Among the evening’s distinguished guests were Ranae Bartlett, Executive Director of US Chess, Michael Khodarkovsky, Executive Director of the Kasparov Chess Foundation, key members of the staff at the Marshall Chess Club, and Peter Giannatos, CEO of the Charlotte Chess Center. Sunil shared his plans for a transition period after more than 30 years leading the organization. He welcomed the new NSCF Executive Director, Matan Prilleltensky, and introduced our new Board President, Zlata Gleason. Sunil’s stepson, Asuka Nakamura, and our host, Will Trepp, shared their personal experiences of the benefits derived from learning chess during their upbringing and how they are passing on this tradition to their children. Matan expressed his commitment to continuing the NSCF’s mission and building upon its legacy of teaching excellence, ensuring that chess instruction reaches students of all ages and abilities, from aspiring tournament players to those with special needs, and everyone in between. Thanks to generous underwriting of the event, 100% of the funds raised from the evening go directly to program delivery.
A BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE FUNDRAISING EVENT – JUNE 20, 2023
Across from the New York City Public Library and the famed chess tables at Bryant Park, through the lobby at 505 Fifth Avenue with its color changing light design by world renowned artist James Turrell, many of the NSCF’s staff, board members and supporters convened on the 26th floor for a reception to help us launch a new era of growth. Hosted by chairman Rick Trepp and his son Will at their beautiful offices, our guest speakers included Mayor Mike Ryan of Sunrise, who has championed our expansion in South Florida, National Master Lior Lapid, head coach of Team USA for People with Disabilities, and National Master William Graif, one of Sunil’s former students who recently graduated from the University of Chicago’s School of Economics. Each shared how our chess programs have impacted them personally as well as contributed to the communities we serve. These photos by John Brezina capture the evening which we hope will be just the starting point of a new era for our organization.
2022 Candidates Tournament
In June, Sunil went to Madrid to cheer on his stepson Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura as he battled to 4th place finish in the 2022 Candidates Tournament. Our friend and fabulous photographer John Brezina was on hand to capture the festivities. From the elegant playing hall to open air “ajedrez” in the renowned Buen Retiro Park, the entire city seemed to have caught chess fever and made the players feel welcome and appreciated.
NSCF-ICC Awards Dinner - May 19, 2022
On Thursday, May 19, the National Scholastic Chess Foundation held its first-ever awards dinner at the Marriott Brooklyn Bridge. Presented in partnership with ICC, the 2022 Chess Service Awards honored four women who have made a lifetime contribution to growing scholastic chess.
World Chess Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - October 5, 2021
On Tuesday, October 5, 2021, the NSCF’s Executive Director Sunil Weeramantry had the distinct privilege of inducting Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield into the US Chess Hall of Fame. You can read the full article in our News section. (Photos courtesy of John Brezina.)
Sunrise Mayor's Chess Challenge & Key to the City Presentation - September 28, 2019
Each school year, cities across Broward County host the Mayors’ Chess Challenge, a free open play event that celebrates the role of chess in education and in community. Players of all ages and abilities come out to play against local mayors and other elected officials, as well as against their friends. First envisioned by Mayor Mike Ryan of Sunrise, this year we had events across Broward County, as well as Boca Raton, and were planning one for Miami Beach.
Of course, the City of Sunrise event is always a highlight of the season. At this year’s celebration, the NSCF presented a thank you proclamation to Chief Anthony Rosa and the City of Sunrise Police Dept for their support since the very first workshop back in October 2014. The City proclaimed this Saturday as Jacorey Bynum Day in recognition of his rapid growth as a chess player. And then Mayor Ryan surprised our Executive Director, Sunil Weeramantry, by presenting him with the Key to the City of Sunrise in honor of the tremendous partnership the city has had with the NSCF. Other highlights of the day included GM Hikaru Nakamura coming out to play, and a tandem simul with NM Evan Rabin from NY joining our own WFM Dr. Amelia Hernandez in a tandem simul against our Sunrise school kids. It was a very fun day!