It’s game on for local kids at a special event next Friday.
The Flamborough AM Rotary Club is hosting its first-ever Games Social for Youth on Friday, March 14 at the Waterdown Legion. The focus is on chess, and the event is suitable for ages 7 to 13.
“Our goal is to start with chess and then transition to other types of games as we build a community and find out what other games interest the children in this demographic,” said organizer Paul Giannotti, who has run school chess clubs and taught the game to beginners.
Giannotti and other volunteers will teach the basics to kids who haven't tried the game before. He’ll be joined at the youth social by several experienced players who will run an informal tournament for kids who already know how to play.
Giannotti noted that the aim is to run ongoing board game social events that give local youth a chance to play in a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
“We want to promote healthy social interaction within our community,” he said.
And while the plan is to host additional events centred around different board games, the Rotary Club’s Youth & Vocation committee decided to focus on chess for their first outing.
“We chose chess because there is a lot of interest in the game and it has great potential to help young people to develop etiquette, resilience and positive social skills,” said Giannotti. “It also is great for brain development as it promotes logic, patience, planning and pattern recognition."
The Rotary Games Social for Youth runs Friday, March 14 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. There will be a tuck shop with snacks available for purchase during the event.
The cost is $10 per participant, with proceeds supporting Rotary projects. Registration is required, to sign up, visit the event sign up page
To find out more details, email Giannotti at [email protected].
