NOC has partnered with First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island to introduce an eight week pilot chess class this summer at its Cordillo Program Center in Hilton Head. This pilot program is designed to introduce to children in low income neighborhoods an interesting hobby that has social and educational benefits. Many of us have realized the educational benefits of playing chess by actually learning the game or after seeing the movie “Searching for Bobby Fisher.” The program is coordinated by Kaci Hollingsworth (NOC’s Cordillo Program Manager) and Jerry Hallman from First Presbyterian Church. Jerry is teaching the students at Cordillo Courts the basics of chess — learning all of the pieces and basic moves. The students thoroughly enjoy working with Jerry, and are excited to learn the ins and outs of the game. NOC intends to replicate this program in its other Program Centers in HHI, Bluffton, and downtown Beaufort.
“Chess helps you to concentrate, improve your logic. It teaches you to play by the rules and take responsibility for your actions, how to problem solve an uncertain environment.” Garry Kasparov