To be a successful politician, one needs foresight, cunning, strategy, a masterplan, and the ability to be several steps ahead of an opponent. That’s why it is especially appropriate that a member of City Council, one of the most ruthlessly cutthroat political bodies in the nation, sponsors an annual chess challenge in Sunnyside. Councilman Eric Gioia, a chess player himself, sponsored the challenge that brought nearly 500 chess players from all over the borough to compete as part of New York City’s Chess-in-the-Schools program, which organizes tournaments and chess clubs throughout public schools.

“Playing chess teaches students how to think strategically, critically and analytically,” said Councilman Eric Gioia. “Chess helps improve reading skills and also shows kids that if you work hard and play by the rueles, you can improve at chess and in school. I am proud to be sponsoring such a great tournament, and I congratulate all of the students that competed today.”

The Chess-in-the-Schools program was created in 1986 to provide materials and teach chess in low-performing schools throughout New York City. More than 400,000 students have learned chess through the program, and more than 20,000 students are currently involved in the program. (Jeffrey Harmatz)