Checkers: the game of life

By Rham Robinson
Staff Reporter

December 17, 2003 launched the first annual checkers tournament, which was sponsored by Highbridge Community Life Center’s (H.C.L.C) Get and Give after school program.

“Eight minutes, Eight minutes!!” was the warning opening cries of Jothern Smith the events organizer, as well as an employee of H.C.L.C., reminding young checker players of how much time they had to conquer and defeat their opponents.

Over 65 youth jumped, gained king status or blew, their opponents off the checkerboard in the quest to become victorious. The tension was high as the room filled with youngsters concentrating and working their brains diligently anticipating their next move.

The tournament’s score keeper, Vernon Langton, says the match is good because checkers is a game of the mind and you have to concentrate. He adds it teaches the disciplines of time and quietness.

“It makes me feel like winning” says 16-year-old teen tournament winner Joshua Hernandez a student of the program. He further adds that kids get to compete in an orderly fashion.

Mr. Smith a role model and a strong believer of positive youth development was inspired to organize the tournament because he feels young people enjoy healthy competition. He feels that the tournament serves as a vehicle emphasizing the importance of following rules and regulations.

Mary Anne Flanagan, Mr. Smith’s supervisor brands him as a hard worker and credits him for introducing both checkers and chess to the program. Ms. Flanagan says she welcomes the games because “It allows the youth to learn while having fun.”

Get and Give is a program that focuses on strengthening the lives of neighborhood youth and their families by providing them with a safe and comfortable place to get a positive learning experience. Get and Give services youth in the 1st-12th grade in the Highbridge area.

Even though the event was a huge success Mr. Smith says he has experienced difficulties locating outside funding sources as well as identifying the right reward for tournaments champions.

This year all of the contestants were students of Get and Give however, Mr. Smith states next year the competition will be open for all youth that would like to participate. There is also mention of an upcoming chess tournament in mid-February.

For more information about the checkers or chess tournaments contact Jothern Smith Monday-Friday from 3p.m.-6p.m. at (718) 293-6103.