October 9 - National Chess Day in America -You can be a part of it !!

October 9, 1976, President Gerald Ford, the nation’s thirty-eighth president, declared National Chess Day. As the date approaches (2009 is the 32nd anniversary of its inception), all state and local clubs are encouraged to commemorate the day in some way, perhaps with a tournament or an educational program or public event about chess in their communities.

Interestingly, National Chess Day began in South Carolina. It was created by the late Bill Dodgen, who was President of the South Carolina Chess Association for a number of years. It was originally a state chess day in South Carolina, but Bill quickly expanded it to a nationwide effort, and was appointed National Chess Day Chairman. Bill's idea was to encourage local and state chapters to organize events to bring in beginners and others who played chess but had not joined USCF.

We can continue Bill Dodgen’s vision by establishing special tournaments, community awareness events, and contacting our local media to celebrate chess.

This is a great opportunity to expand Chess Awareness !!