Before the Storm: NYC Rapid Chess Challenge
By Beatriz Marinello   
November 8, 2012
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Colas and Bodek, Photo courtesy Dora Leticia ©


As Hurricane Sandy headed to the Northeast, the 2012 New York City Rapid Chess Challenge began at the United Nations International School (UNIS Manhattan Campus), held on October 28th, 2012. 

This event included a scholastic tournament and a three game match between two of the top USA cadet players, 15-year-old Michael Bodek (2413) and 14-year-old Joshua Colas (2395). Bodek won the match 2-1.

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See results in all sections on MSA. 
 
The school’s Manhattan campus with views to the east river welcomed players and their families for a day of rapid chess and face-painting, a feature added to the tournament considering the upcoming Halloween holiday.

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Photo courtesy Dora Leticia ©

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Photo courtesy Dora Leticia ©


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Photo courtesy Dora Leticia ©

Players and parents lined the halls of the school in anticipation of the tournament and checked for weather updates on their mobile devices.

It was an unusual day, public transportation was scheduled to shut down in New York City later that evening, which made for a tight schedule.  But, the children had a blast!

Chess players received t-shirts, souvenirs, medals and trophies to the top winners.

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Photo courtesy Dora Leticia ©

Among the guests was Julie Menin, a candidate for Manhattan Borough President and proud chess mom, shown above making the first move for Joshua Colas in the exhibition match

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Photo courtesy Dora Leticia ©
David MacEnulty of The David MacEnulty Chess Foundation also attended, taking time to review some of the players chess games after their rounds.

We would like express our appreciation to ROSNEFT, FIDE Chess in the Schools, Dr. Lidana Jalilvand Director of Special Programs at the United Nations International School (UNIS), our wonderful staff and the chess players and chess parents who make a commitment to bring chess to their children’s lives.

I would like to thank FIDE Chief Executive Officer Mr. Geoffrey Borg and Project Manager, Anastasia Sorokina for coordinating the ROSNEFT Training project with Chess Educators in New York City.  

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Photo courtesy Dora Leticia ©


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Photo courtesy Dora Leticia ©