SENATE MEMORIAL 100

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2016

INTRODUCED BY

Jacob R. Candelaria

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 15, 2016 "YOUTH CHESS DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, the ancient game of chess is one of the world's most popular games, played by millions of people in homes, parks and clubs, online, by correspondence and in tournaments; and

     WHEREAS, countless studies show that a chess education serves to improve student outcomes in math and reading scores and overall cognitive ability and executive functioning; and

     WHEREAS, there are countless instances of early-age chess learning being credited for changing people's lives for the better; and

     WHEREAS, chess educators, organizers and tournament directors have been teaching and developing chess opportunities for young people for many years; and

     WHEREAS, Learners Chess academy, a New Mexico nonprofit organization founded in 2010, has developed after-school chess clubs in over fifty schools over the last five years, taught thousands of children how to play chess in after-school programs and camps and has become nationally recognized for its innovative work;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 15, 2016 be declared "Youth Chess Day" in the senate and that recognition be given to chess coaches, organizers and administrators who contribute to the teaching and enjoyment of chess learning of thousands of New Mexico students every year; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that educators and others intending to make a difference in the lives of young people be urged to consider how they can support the development of youth chess in the state as coaches, organizers, volunteers, donors or in any other way that positively contributes to opportunities for New Mexico youth to learn the game of chess; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the president of Learners Chess academy.

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