12-10-09 - We Made it to Dallas
The I.S. 318 chess team arrived in Dallas, TX last night to compete in the USCF Grade National Chess Tournament. They stand a chance at taking 1st place in the 6th, 7th and 8th grade sections. Last year they swept it and this year they have their strongest team to date…so yeah, the odds are in their favor, but you never know how the cards will be dealt. So far they’ve met their hardest challenge - just arriving here in Dallas. 25 kids woke up at 2:00am on Wednesday morning and boarded their bus in the rain at 3:15am. They made it to the airport early and with all their belongings. 6am flight to Atlanta and then a transfer to Dallas. No lost kids. No lost luggage. For some 6th graders this is their first time traveling away from home without their parents and they will get their first taste of independence. Well sort of. Coaches John and Elizabeth will keep a very close eye on everyone, especially at lights out. 11pm. Sharp.
More to come as the tournament progresses but here’s some pics from the first day.
12 year old boys don’t travel light
5:30am at LGA & the chess boards are out
Justus is happy to finally be at the hotel
David brought cupcakes
D’andrea works out some chess tactics in his hotel room
