2nd Charity Chess Tournament

The 2nd Annual Checkmate4Change Charity Chess Tournament was held on May 20, 20233, at Rachel Carson Middle School in Herndon, VA. The event was a tremendous success, drawing over 100 players and raising more than $5,500 for UNICEF, supporting children affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

The event brought together students, families, and community leaders, including local charity presidents and FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, who attended to congratulate Checkmate4Change for organizing the tournament. According to UNICEF USA, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria caused over 59,000 deaths and injured more than 130,000 people. Nearly 51,000 children under the age of five in Syria are at risk of malnutrition, and about 1.9 million have had their education disrupted.

Local Turkish businesses and families contributed food, including baklava, Turkish bread, and cupcakes baked by Mrs. Masood, alongside pizza, coffee, and other refreshments. All the bake sale proceeds were directly donated to UNICEF as well.

The tournament also provided a fun and competitive environment for players of all levels. One highlight of the event came when Ameya played a friendly match against Superintendent Reid—and won. Dr. Reid later recognized he event in her weekly FCPS update, highlighting their contribution to global relief efforts through chess.

The final results:

Open:

1st - KEVIN SU    

2nd - KENT SLATE  

3rd - AMEYA HALDANKAR  

U1600:

1st - SEBASTIAN LUCIO URIONA HUAMAN

2nd - XANDER NGUYEN  

3rd - ESAT OMER DEMIREL  

U1000:

1st - DARREN SMEIGH    

2nd - MARSHALL LE   

3rd - SANTHOSH KARTHIK   

Through teamwork, compassion, and strategic thinking both on and off the board, the Checkmate4Change 4th Annual Charity Chess Tournament proved how chess can bring a community together for a meaningful cause.