Community members are invited to attend the 7th Annual Chess & Community this Saturday. This year’s event features local speakers including Mayor Kelly Girtz, Athens Chamber of Commerce CEO David Bradley and Clarke School Board member LaKeisha Gantt.
Lemuel Life LaRoche, executive director of the organization says there are plenty of activities for those attending.
“So we have our annual Justice Serve Youth versus Police Chess Match. We’re recognizing four outstanding students from the Clarke County School District, and we’re going to award them with the Think Before You Move Scholarship,” LaRoche said.
Anymore interested can play chess at the event as well. There’s $1,000 cash prize for the winning team.
“A lot of people hate chess and they say it’s not for me because I don’t play chess,” LaRoche said. “I wanted to get out there that it this is so much more than just chess. Chess is just one aspect that we use to bring the community together. But that community portion of it is what’s key. Let’s come together, let’s talk about how we can move forward collectively and let’s get to meet and know and engage in people we don’t know.”
This year’s theme is your power your community.
It takes place at the Classic Center Saturday with doors opening at 9 a.m. and the conference is free to attend.
