OCBCF
OCBCF Newsletter October 2006

NEWS LETTER YEAR 2 VOLUME 2

OCBCF IN FULL SWING

The month of September was super for the OCBCF. On the 16th of September, the Beginners tournament took place. Schools from throughout the Coastal Bend and from all levels had students playing. The tournament was well attended. Approximately 70 players participated. On the floor as TDs were individuals from all grade levels. To mention a few (and I am sorry if I miss someone) were as follows:

As well as many of the regulars from different schools throughout the Coastal Bend Area.

Thank you everyone for making this tournament a great success and helping up and coming chess players learn the tournament way.

The OCBCF Fall Tournament was just as successful with 124 players present. I saw a new team from Robstown at this tournament. St. Anthony's school from Robstown hosted a team. Calallen was kind enough to allow us to use the facilities, and the HOSA Club did the concessions. Magee Intermediate (Calallen) ran a fund raiser-raffle during this tournament, and Mr. Bob James handled the equipment sales as well as served as Chief TD on the floor. Chris and Ninfa Villarreal, Russell Shelton, Rebbecca Flannigan were just some of the tournament directors working at the tournament. Mr. Bill Wheeler did the analyzing of games. For the official results of the tournament, for both individual and teams, go to www.ocbcf.org. The ever faithful Judy Winston as well as a new coach for Wynn Seale Academy. and St.Patricks School all attended in force, Magee was well represented, as was H.M.King from Kingsville.

The following is strictly the opinion of the editor and does not represent any views or opinions of the OCBCF

OFF MY CHEST!

Tournaments are fundraisers and insure the success of these chess clubs. Many expenses are addressed with the normal operation of a chess club. The biggest is: attendance at other tournaments. Travel, entry fees, USCF memberships, meals, and other expenses are all incurred in the course of players attending a tournament. These tournaments are an all day event.

During the course of running the Beginners tournament, which was to be a fundraiser for Fannin as well as promoting chess, I discovered that OCBCF had incurred charges for the use of the tournament area. I do think that Corpus Christi ISD needs to realize and support the chess clubs in their district. During State evaluations and applications for grants, chess clubs are recognized and appreciated. For example, 21st Century Grants stipulate chess activity as one of the conditions of the grant. The level of cognitive learning is enhanced due to chess. Yet, to take monies from the fundraisers designed to help clubs prosper is not very productive or conducive to the success of these organizations and the sponsors who have labored to make and support these clubs. Perhaps I am out of line, but to my understanding, the district charges for the use of the facilities when the event is to benefit the small campus organizations. Please, contact your local board representatives and ask them to be considerate of these productive organizations and waive those expenses so the clubs can become self-sufficient and serve the students better. Remember to also support the other clubs by attending their tournaments in kind. This is how they too raise funds for their club expenses. Open your doors to as many students that want to play and perhaps let your students go to the lower grades and become coaches. Establishing a clear connection with good feeder schools is vital to the success of the district organizations. Help and donate your time so that not only your child, but many others will benefit as well. Get involved in the future.

Upcoming Tournaments

October

All flyers or contact websites can be found on www.ocbcf.org Please remember that your support to these events is vital to the success of the programs. Thank you.+

OCBCF
P.O. Box 8291
Corpus Christi, TX 78468-8291 		Last modified on April 16, 2005, at 7:15 pm
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