"Checkmate" at DCDSB

Posted On Wednesday May 10, 2023

Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) gymnasiums are usually filled by active athletic sporting events, but in the last two weeks the game of chess found a home in our elementary gyms.

Over 300 students made up 29 elementary chess teams, which competed in six regional chess tournaments throughout DCDSB.

Taking home the trophy for winning their regional competition were:

  • St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School
  • St. Patrick Catholic School
  • St. Jude Catholic School
  • St. John Paul II Catholic School
  • St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic School
  • St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School

Students that finished in the top two in their competition groupings (Grade 3-4; Grade 5-6; and Grade 7-8) were invited to compete in our final tournament at the Pope Francis Centre. 

The winners of the final tournament were:

  • Grade 7-8: Justin from St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School
  • Grade 5-6: Rolex from St. Leo Catholic School
  • Grade 3-4: Xavier from St. Patrick Catholic School

Thanks to all our lead chess teachers who dedicated their time to give students the opportunity to showcase their talents. 

A special shout out to former DCDSB graduate Aaron D'Mello for coordinating the chess matches and overseeing the finals, and to the Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School student chess facilitators that helped out at the regional competitions.