Learning CPR takes time, effort, and commitment. When one thinks of CPR, he or she often thinks of the life-saving practice to revive the heart. Similarly, in the world of chess, CPR is also a lifesaving technique, but on the board. On Wednesday, July 16, Coach Balagee from ChessKidsNation visited the Elevate students to teach them not only the significance of CPR in chess, but also the values and impact the game of chess can have on their lives.
In chess, CPR stands for Capture Protect Runaway – a useful technique to help players escape a check, improving concentration and problem solving abilities. During his session, Coach Balagee led the students through a series of simulations of different scenarios in chess matches and taught them different techniques of CPR to use when in check. He encouraged students to think critically about the simulations and determine the best moves to play.
“My objective for you is to learn chess the right way,” Coach Balagee said to the Elevate students the first day, determined to inspire them.
To test their knowledge and skill, Elevate students played chess matches against each other after the simulations. With Coach Balagee to help guide them throughout their matches, the students played with focus and integrity.
Every Wednesday, Elevate students receive chess lessons from ChessKidsNation, an international chess coaching establishment, founded by Coach Balagee and his wife. Originating in Hoover, Ala., ChessKidsNation has been teaching chess for 20 plus years, consisting of multiple programs, which offers in-person and online chess classes, chess programs for seniors, chess tournaments, and programs for BoyScouts of America.
Coach Balagee’s love for chess is rooted from an early age, thanks to his uncle, who had introduced it to his life. The impact his uncle created lasted in him all throughout adulthood and inspired him to teach his own son, who is now a multi-time Alabama chess champion. As he expanded his lessons to friends and family, ChessKidsNation was born and grew tremendously.
Since its founding in 2004, ChessKidsNation has trained approximately 5,000 students with a total of 30,000 hours. Recently, they were awarded by the Birmingham World Games for police officers and firefighters, earning them the unique opportunity to conduct chess tournaments for these grand-scale games.
Chess is a valuable and strategic game that offers a variety of benefits to individuals. Coach Balagee explained that one of the greatest benefits of playing chess is it can open the door to scholarship opportunities for various universities. 47 cities in the U.S. offer chess scholarships, with some colleges even having their own chess teams that provide scholarship opportunities for players. Scholarship amounts offered varies by school, but it is a great way for students to help cover the cost of tuition as they pursue their chosen degree.
“There is always learning behind the scenes,” Coach Balagee said.
In addition to scholarship opportunities, chess also comes with many learning and life lessons. These lessons include learning time management skills because of how time bound chess is, learning how to accept defeat in a more positive way and from mistakes, good sportsmanship, and how to be more disciplined not only in chess, but in life.
Through Aug. 29-31, ChessKidsNation will be hosting the Alabama State Chess Championship at the Chelsea Community Center in Chelsea, AL. The winner will be awarded a cash prize and a plaque, recognizing the winner for their incredible achievement. In order to particpate, players must be registered with the U.S. Chess Federation and Alabama Chess Federation. For those who wish to participate in the tournament, but not as a player, there will also be volunteer opportunities available.
Furthermore, ChessKidsNation is looking to hire chess coaches to help coach in their programs and throughout schools in the Birmingham area. Coaches will receive exclusive training by ChessKidsNation before beginning their roles.
To learn more about ChessKidsNation and their opportunities and events, visit their website at https://chesskidsnation.com/.
