Record participation in TAMA Biannual Chess Tournament
Biannual chess tournaments, rated and unrated, have become a part and parcel of Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta (TAMA)'s sports events for the past five years. Chess is a game where kids of all ages can play each other with passion, irrespective of age, and where only talent matters. The first chess event of the 2019 year was conducted on March 16, 2019 at Big Creek Elementary School in Cumming, GA. This event was sponsored by Park N' Fly Atlanta Airport Parking and attracted a record number of 130 participants.
With a 4-round Swiss system in all four sections (U1200, U800, U400, and Unrated) and time control of G30 + 5 sec delay, kids came to play in a serious yet fun environment. The goal of the tournament, to get more kids interested in chess at a very young age and sustain that enthusiasm, motivates the entire TAMA executive membership and volunteers associated with the tournament. Having learned and adapted from earlier misses in coordinating an event, this event started like clockwork, with all the volunteers working like a well-oiled machine to get the tournament started sharp at 10:30 am and the following rounds at 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm, respectively.
Parents of participants were accommodated in the gym next door where they could relax and where kids could have a fun time playing to their hearts’ content, exercising their mind and body while having fun. Another unique feature was the free pizza for lunch to all the participants and the parents. Bananas and water bottles were also provided, and parents enjoyed hot tea to warm them during the slightly cold weather. This gesture was appreciated by one and all as they did not have to think about planning for lunch and snacks all day long.
One more gesture that was wildly applauded by kids was the monstrous size of the trophies. Top five place trophies in each section as well as plus score trophies meant as many as 60 kids went home with a trophy, as well as certificates for all the participants. Mr. Chuck Rose from our sponsor Park N' Fly, TAMA Executive committee, and Board Members handed out trophies. Everyone appreciated TAMA for providing a platform for competitive tournaments and bringing out the best in kids, and that too, right before State’s chess qualifiers.
TAMA sports secretary Rupendra Vemulapalli, with able guidance and support from past chairmen Rajesh Jampala, Srinivas Lavu, current chairman Vinay Maddineni, Board Secretary Rajasekhar Chunduri, President Venky Gadde, and excellent coordination with seasoned tournament director Mr. Parnell Watkins, managed to finish the tournament without a hitch. TAMA Board of Directors Nagesh Doddaka, Srinivas Uppu, Manoj Tatikonda, and Executive Committee members Bharat Maddineni, Innaiah Yenumula, Priya Balusu, Subbarao Maddali, Sairam Karumanchi, Aditya Gali, Ravi Kalli, Bharat Avirneni, and many more volunteers were there to support the entire day.
TAMA would like to thank each and every one of our sponsors, volunteers, participants, and parents who made this fun, educational, and entertaining event a grand success. We will be having our second chess tournament in the second half of the year and hope to surpass these numbers and want to make this a premier chess event in the state of Georgia with your active and willing support.
[The article above is a Website Bonus Feature, appearing only on the website for May 2019, not in the print/digital issues.]
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