Chess Mates Receives Grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to Support After-School Programs

SEATTLE -- The Chess Mates Foundation will be able to grow its after-school scholastic chess programs in six Seattle-area school districts this year, thanks to a $10,000 gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Chess Mates, a Seattle-based nonprofit, serves more than 1,200 students at forty public elementary and middle schools. With the recent grant, it will be able to expand its program through additional funding for instructors, chess equipment, student awards and its annual Chessfest competition.

Now in its eleventh year, Chess Mates uses the game of chess as a teaching tool, helping young children to develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. "Chess makes learning fun. It improves a player's thinking, reading, creativity and concentration skills," said Georgi Orlov, the organization's executive director and the 1994 US Open Chess Champion.

Founded in 1989 by retired Seattle businessman Henry Eisenhardt, Chess Mates Foundation is supported through a variety of private and corporate grants. Most of Chess Mates clubs are run by parent volunteers and instructors, who teach its after-school chess programs. For more information, visit Chess Mates' Web site.