Chess tourney supports youth mental health (7 photos)

Players of all ages and skill levels put their chess skills to the test Tuesday in the Mind Over Matter tournament, with proceeds going to the Sault Area Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry unit.

Organizer John Pierman said the tournament was close to reaching its $1,000 fundraising goal by early afternoon on Tuesday, while players were still making their best moves to finish out the day.

“It’s definitely a strong possibility we will hit our target today,” he said.

The tournament was held at The Rink and open to players of all ages and skill levels. At times, the 22 enrolled players were matched up young-versus-old or experienced-versus-inexperienced.

“We have had some younger kids performing super well and I am happy about that,” said Pierman.

Niyati Patel has been playing chess for a few years and said the tournament was a good break in her summer. At the time of the interview she had won four games and lost two.

“It was a nice to just come out and have something to do,” she said.

Prior to COVID-19, Patel attended the chess club at the library. Tuesday’s tournament was a chance for her to see some of the other members again.

“We haven’t seen them because of COVID for a few years, so it was nice,” she said.

Players were separated into three categories: under-17, under-13 and the open category. The top two finalists in each category each received a gift card.

Prizes were donated by ASAPP OXP and the use of the venue was donated by The Machine Shop. Village Media donated the chess sets.

One drawback of being the organizer is Pierman, a recent Korah C&VS Graduate, was not able to play in the tournament.

“I’m not playing today but I played in a tournament two weeks ago in Grand Rapids,” said Pierman. “I am having fun hosting it and it’s for a good cause. I am really passionate about mental health.”

Pierman said the money raised will go toward Sault Area Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry unit. He hopes to get a wish list from the unit staff in the near future and check a few things off it.

“They are going to be getting some stuff to help patients and staff there. It’s going to be awesome,” he said.

Pierman is heading to Brock University this fall, double majoring in mathematics and computer science.

“We are looking to run this as an annual event, so we are looking for another ambassador for next year to come and help out and take over a little bit after I go away for university,” he said.