FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2024
Hamilton K-8 School Awarded Gold FIDE Chess School
by International Chess Federation
Novato, CA – The Novato Unified School District announced that Hamilton K-8 School is one of 22 Schools world-wide and the only school from within the United States to be awarded as a Gold FIDE Chess School.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE), the world governing body of chess, recognized Hamilton K-8 School as a Gold FIDE Chess School in its inaugural recognition of chess schools that show a commitment to educational chess. This differs from traditional chess instruction as it specifically seeks to use chess as an educational tool with applications in learning math, logic, and social sciences, to name a few.
Hamilton was the only school selected from the United States, (out of 22 awards) making this a remarkable achievement.
“What makes our club special is that we really try to make chess accessible to everyone and try to engage kids with chess in multiple ways. Our primary goal is to inspire them to want to learn more about it and have fun. We do this through traditional chess learning, and through incorporating chess variants and non-traditional puzzles that inspire thinking. We also use in class strategies that focus on team building through chess,” says Abel Talamantez. Chess Program Director at Hamilton.
Mr. Talamantez continued, “While we take great pride in our competitive team, this educational approach has really sustained a community of players in which chess has become part of the culture of the school. This educational approach aligns with the mission and values of RISE Scholars, Inc., the non-profit organization which sponsors the program and others at the school.”
Hamilton now looks forward to collaborating with some of the other award-winning schools, as well as continuing to develop events and programs open to the entire Marin scholastic chess community.
Click HERE to see the 22 award winning schools from around the world. For more information on Hamilton Chess and Rise Scholars: www.hamiltonchess.org and www.riseforthekids.org
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Photo of Hamilton Chess Students