Chess Palace

Five triumph after many losses.

The City of Gardena Recreation Department hosted a tournament, on March 28, 2009, with divisions for each grade level. The weekend was a particularly proud moment for Chess Palace coach, Anthony Ong. Many of the students had lost countless games before winning this one. Their persistence even after consecutive defeats made them the eventual winners of today. The students all came back to the Chess Palace class with more enthusiasm than ever. Rising star, Matthew Kelley said, "all of my losses in the past made me learn how to win this tournament."

Four students and one former youth member scored prizes in their respected grade.

Andrew Pena - 2nd place in Grade 1

Isaac Baez - 1st place in grade 3

Matthew Kelley - 2nd place in grade 3

Jonathan Kuo - 1st in grade 4

Jesse Koons - 1st in grade 8