Last week we let you know that Conrad Community Chess was hosting its first Charity Blitz Tournament and casual boardgames event. The aim was to unite adult and junior chess enthusiasts for a worthy cause. We’re thrilled to report that the tournament raised over £600!
The event, held in The Greener and Cleaner Community Hub combined competitive play with fun intergenerational skill-sharing. 20 players took part in the Tournament and the day saw over 100 visitors joining to watch the Blitz, or enjoy the free Chess and Boardgames Social which followed.
Bringing together players of all ages
Participants included Rory Watson, aged 4, of Hitherfield Primary School Nursery in Streatham, who said “I love chess! I want to play again!”. He plans to become the youngest-rated chess player ever in the UK.
Three talented junior players reached the finals, demonstrating the bright future of chess in Bromley. The final winner was Mohammad Mozaffari – the only adult player in the finals – who beat stiff competition by blending experience with tactical brilliance.
A positive impact for the community
The money raised will directly benefit Greener and Cleaner’s Community Hub. It’s a vital community resource for the people of Bromley & Lewisham. Services include supporting residents with creative and life skills workshops, social events and advice to reduce loneliness, advice on cost of living, waste and pollution – all while boosting mental wellbeing, skills and local biodiversity.
Parisa Wright, CEO of Greener and Cleaner said “Community building and intergenerational skill-sharing is at the heart of our work. The connections made and life skills, craft skills and other skills – such as chess – taught and enjoyed here are so valuable for local mental and physical well-being, cost saving, waste reduction and community resilience. It was wonderful to partner with Conrad Chess on this tournament, raising vital funds (and smiles!) for this well-loved community space in The Glades.”
This event is part of Greener & Cleaner’s wider Crowdfunder appeal, supported by local celebrities, and Aviva. The appeal has now raised over £26,000 of its £45,000 target so far and there is still time to donate before 24 June.
Chess for Coney Hall and dates for your diary
Conrad, who arranged the event, is a Coney Hall local. He said “I am so proud of the team at Conrad Community Chess and the Greener and Cleaner Hub. I will not rest until we have free chess in every park and a community center on every High Street, starting right here in Bromley.”
The next collaborative event at the Greener and Cleaner Community Hub will be the free Chess & Boardgames Social at 2pm on 21 July. To find out more and get details of other chess events in the wider area, visit Conrad’s website.