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The history of chess may go back centuries, but this game of strategy is more relevant today than ever. As an exercise in logic, concentration and creativity, chess holds useful lessons for players of all ages – something our own students at Collège Champittet know from experience.
Our student Grigory explains why he enjoys chess and what he has gained from the game: “You always have room for improvement. No matter how good or bad you are, you can always learn something new and become better. Chess not only makes you compete with your opponent but also with yourself.” He also highlights the emotional journey of chess, as a source of both fun and frustration, in which all players must prepare themselves to handle the experience of losing as well as winning.
Given the wonderful cognitive and social benefits of playing chess, our school is proud to support players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors. Collège Champittet offers chess as an afterschool activity for students in Grades 3 to 8, enabling young learners to become familiar with the game in a supportive environment. Our students can also participate in various chess events throughout the year.
In September, one of our own boarding students organised an interschool chess tournament for players aged 7 and up. Hosted at Collège Champittet, the tournament brought together chess players from Collège du Léman, La Côte International School Aubonne, La Garenne School, Aiglon College, Haut-Lac International Bilingual School and St. George’s International School. In addition to nurturing a community of chess lovers, the event supported children in need by donating all registration fee proceeds to the Champittet Foundation.
Another charity chess tournament was held at nearby EHL Hospitality Business School in October. Our Champittet student volunteers and chess players supported the students at EHL in running the event and selling tombola tickets to raise funds for two charitable associations. Both events were great opportunities to bond over a shared passion for chess and to contribute to charitable causes, in the spirit of this year’s theme of compassion.
Our Champittet students have also been testing their best chess moves against a global network of peers across the Nord Anglia Education family of schools. The chess tournament held on Global Campus, Nord Anglia Education’s online platform, invites players to compete in two age categories – Under-11s and Under-18s – in various rounds from November to March. Participants not only enjoy the thrill of a great challenge but also receive expert feedback from a FIDE Chess Master and an International Arbiter.
We are immensely proud of all our chess players who have represented Collège Champittet this year, whether in competition or a friendly match. The game of chess requires resilience, focus and the ability to make decisions under pressure – skills that are also highly valuable in today’s fast-changing world. Congratulations to all our players!
