Brantford Food Bank Tournament, July 2009

The Brantford Chess Club and Harmony Square hosted a food/fundraiser tournament to help the Brantford Food Bank. A total of 14 players, 10 locals and 4 from out of town came to play some fun, competitive chess to help support a good cause. We firstly want to thank the people that came from Hamissauga, Bob Gillanders, Garvin Nunes, Zeljko Kitich and Mei (Toronto). It's one thing for local people to help their own community, but it shows a real appreciation for chess and compassion for others to drive 60km to play unrated games to help another club and city. Thank you for making that special effort.

Lee Hendon was the tournament coordinator, assisted logistically by Rob Gashgarian. Bob beat back all opposition, ceding only a draw to take the first place (an engraved medal and $10 gift certificate). John Vlasov beat Zeljko in a tie-breaker to take the silver medal and $10 gift cert. Zeljko won bronze and a $5 gift cert. Mei took the 4th place ($5 gift cert).

That's the chess stuff – the real fun was the kibitzing, the friendly, but competitive games and the feeling that we were doing two things we really enjoy – playing chess and helping others. A few people showed up that we hadn't seen at the local club for a while and an unknown gentleman brought by a box of food just because he wanted to help. In all we rounded up 3 full boxes of food donations and $55 in cash for the Brantford Food Bank. Thanks to all who helped make this afternoon an enduring memory and we look forward to more events in the future (August 16th, for example).

Prepared by Robert Gashgarian, Robert Gillanders, Lee Hendon, Garvin Nunes and Mei Pictures by Mei

Brantford Food Bank Tournament, July 2009 Brantford's namesake Joseph Brant's Memorial, 1886 One of the first pieces of statuary of its kind in North America, the memorial for Joseph Brant and the six nations confederacy was sculpted by Percy Wood, winner of the International Competition. Harmony Square, downtown Brantford A hot spot among locals, the city of Brantford hosts various events throughout the year such as Dancing Under the Stars, The Chilly-Willy Cook-Off,Thursday nights outdoor movies screening, etc. During the summer months, various chess activities are also held in the square. For more information visit: http://www.brantford.ca/content/publ...nts+&+Programs You know it is a budget tournament when… they are giving away canned food as prizes Okay, maybe not as prizes. Participants were encouraged to bring canned food as donation to the local food bank. Chess in the square Left to right: Garvin Nunes, Adam Cormier, Christopher Osborne and Rob Gashgarian

Fun in the park The juniour section finishes early Not-so-juniours still at play

Robert Gashgarian, president of Brantford Chess Club John Vlasov, club treasurer Zeljko Kitich, Hamilton John Turjanyi, Brantford Adam Cormier, 11, Brantford Adam recently came in second-place in the 2009 Hamilton Juniour Chess Championship Rob Gashgarian and John Vlasov

Dominic Lowe, 13, Brantford When we found out that Dominic had only learnt to play chess a few weeks ago, we were compelled to “gently” coaxed him to join the local chess club. He left the square a very happy kid that day, fed with an armful of club brochures and leaflets.

Dominic and friend, Rob Knowles, 31, Brantford Lee’s pairing system: Board 1 – Primo vs. Campbell’s

Lee Hendon and Matthew Mills We are serious about security

Robert Gillanders, Lee Hendon, Robert Gashgarian, Garvin Nunes The city of Brantford recently set-up several permanent chess tables in the square. They were some of the nicest tables we have seen, complete with umbrellas and all. Do you know: They leave the wooden chess pieces unglued/unchained to the table and yet they have never gone missing! As Mei aptly put it: So Canadian, eih?! We asked Bob for his most glamorous pose… There is so much to do at the square: Some chose to hold the rain whilst others fly a kite Overheard: Bob… going strong… must stop him. Is this big enough? Prize winners: Gold (Bob), Silver (John), Bronze (Zeljko)

3 full boxes of food donations and $55 in cash for the Brantford Food Bank Dinner at Mai Thai Left to right: Bob, Mei, Garvin, and Lee Departing in style, Lee We were thrilled to find out that Lee lives only 10 minutes away from Harmony Park. Unbeknownst to Lee, we now have a place to stay for the next tournament! That’s all folks. See you in August! Lee, Mei and Bob