The Royal Navy Helicopter Chess Challenge

The launch of National Chess Week, the new schools fundraising initiative

National Chess Week for Barnardo’s, sponsored by The British Land Company PLC, began on Monday 20th October. Thousands of children and teenagers throughout the UK will play chess and raise money for Barnardo’s.

Friday 17th October saw the launch of National Chess Week for Barnardo’s organised by event partner, Chess Academy.

The day centred on David Howell, the 12 year old chess champion and began at his school, Eastbourne College, with a simultaneous chess match against his fellow pupils and an interview with BBC Breakfast’s Mike Sargent.

After meeting with Lieutenant Commander David Lewis and Commander David Salisbury, David boarded a Royal Navy Lynx helicopter to St Thomas of Canterbury School in Guildford. After being noisily greeted by pupils with banners and dressed as chess pieces, David played a chess game against David Guinea in front of the whole school.

Third stop was Barnardo’s High Close School, Wokingham. David was met by head teacher Sandy Paterson and pupils after landing on the playing fields. He then played a simultaneous game against pupils.

The final school was Badgerbrook in Leicester. With the help of Paul Finley from Leicestershire Primary Schools Chess Association, the school organised a game of human chess between David and the school’s chess club. Following the match the whole school descended on the playground to wave David off.

The final helicopter stop was Chelsea Barracks, London where David was presented with a certificate from the Royal Navy. From there the group we went on via car to Somerset House and finally City Inn Westminster where pupils from Woodridge School, North Finchley and members of the Junior Chess Championship team played chess into the evening.

To find out more go to http://www.nationalchessweek.co.uk/