About OCBCF
Optimist Coastal Bend Chess Federation
OCBCF is the Optimist Coast Bend Chess Federation. Simply put, the OCBCF is a group of people who are concerned enough about kids that we give of our time and talents to help them. Recognizing the educational and social benefits gained from playing chess, we use chess as a means to work with children from many different walks of life.
The OCBCF began operations in 1995 under the auspices of the Optimist Foundation, and specifically the Optimist Club of Downtown Corpus Christi. Initially, there was no formal organization, and all the financial aspects of the OCBCF were handled through the Optimist Foundation. It reported all of the chess activity as part of the Foundation. In July, 2002, the OCBCF obtained a corporate charter issued by Texas, which effectively separated itself from the Foundation.
OCBCF organizes and runs a number of large tournaments each year. In March of 1999 and again in March 2002, OCBCF hosted the Texas Scholastic Chess Championships in Corpus Christi. OCBCF was also the host for the First Texas Girls Scholastic Chess Championships in 2001, and in 2002 in Houston, and in 2003 in San Antonio. In addition, OCBCF members assist school clubs to set up their own tournaments. In 1997, the OCBCF was the 3rd highest rated organization in the United States in registering new United States Chess Federation members, and in 1998 the OCBCF remained in the top 20 with fewer tournaments. We view each of these registrations as a child we have helped improve in school and avoid trouble on the streets.
OCBCF is committed to continuing to hold and assist with a number of local and regional tournaments.
Governance
The OCBCF is governed by its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. (The Articles of Incorporation will be posted as soon as they can be scanned (GDT, July 2005)
Low Cost Chess Sets for School Club Use
OCBCF also makes chess sets available at low cost for school clubs to use in their lessons. For more information, email OCBCF President George Tintera