Stormont 2015

The top Children were invited to Stormont on Friday 5th June. How did they get invited to this prestigious event? Over the year the Ulster Chess Union and Ulster Schools Chess Council have run a series of Saturday tournaments. For each of these the players are allocated points depending on their overall position and the best 3 scores for the year add added together and the 4 players with the highest values get invited to Stormont. The years tournaments are open to all children from as young as P2 to Sixth Form. The series has been running for some 13 years. It was started as an opportunity for Children to meet and play chess, additionally it was an opportunity for primary youngsters who perhaps didn't have a chess club at school to play competitive chess.

Who were the top winners for the year?

The Belfast Scholastic Shield.

Exceptional Young Player 2015

This is awarded to the most promising young player(s). This year saw a new comer Andrew Graham who only at P2 played brilliantly and is definitely someone to watch. Last years winner of this Calvin Patterson only P3 won the Primary Competition outright and therefore shares this title with Andrew.

The Belfast Scholastic Shield.

Primary Chess Champion

The Belfast Scholastic Shield.

Lower Secondary Chess Champion

The Belfast Scholastic Shield.

Senior Secondary Chess Champion

The Belfast Scholastic Edward Whiteside Shield.

Primary Puzzle Solving Chess Champion

The Belfast Scholastic Fergus O’Neill Shield.

Secondary Puzzle Solving Chess Champion

The day started with a warm welcome from MLA Kieran McCarthy to the youngsters, parents and  Principals. Proceeded by a fascinating tour of Stormont. The group returning to the Long Room where refreshments were served and the youngsters played in the Stormont Elite Competition. Playing chess in such a beautiful and historic building.

The results of the Stormont Elite:

Stormont Elite Chess Tournament – Primary 2015

Stormont Elite Chess Tournament – Secondary Lower

Stormont Elite Chess Tournament – Secondary Upper

After three rounds of tough chess. Kiran McCarthy MLA handed out the trophies and certificates. Everyone recieved a trophy and certicates. The Principals, Volunteers, Founders formed a line of honor along which the award winners shook hands and recieved praise.

Thanks go to MLA Kiran McCarthy for inviting us to Stormont. To the volunteers who throughout the year make these events possible and enjoyable. The youngsters for their chess talent and creating such a good, friendly atmosphere at the Saturday tournaments. The Parents for their support and encouragement over the year. See you all next year.... The next event is the Summer School on August 5th/6th/7th.