Local youths compete in CYO chess tournament
“Chess is a terrific way for kids to build self image and self esteem,” is how international chess master Saudin Robovic describes the game.
The Diocese of Allentown held the annual CYO Chess Tournament on Saturday, May 11, at St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church, Whitehall. Students from around the diocese participated in Grades 5 and 6, Grades 7 and 8, and the new high school level.
Six students from St. John Neumann Regional School, Palmerton, took part.
Daniel Slowik, Logan Walk, Daphne Gowin, Stella Hluschak, Cameron Gowin, and David Papay played. Logan Walk won first place in the Grades 5 & 6 level; and Daniel Slowik won third place in the grades 7 and 8 level.
Six students in the new high school level played as well. Achilles Fitzpatrick, a parishioner of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Lehighton, won first place.
CYO, which stands for Catholic Youth Organization, was started in 1930 in Chicago by Auxiliary Bishop Bernard J. Sheil, to give youth more constructive activities, and as a way to keep them from becoming involved in criminal activities. CYO programs include sporting events, games, art, spelling bees, and more.