Donated sets bring chess to Madison locales

MADISON – Madison City Chess League or MCCL has introduced a program in the community that will help in further establishing Madison as a ‘chess town.’

“Working with the Madison Chamber of Commerce, Madison City Chess League will be donating chess sets to Madison businesses, like hotels and coffee shops, that are chamber members where patrons may gather to play,” Ranae Bartlett said. Bartlett is MCCL Executive Director.

“We want people who visit the City of Madison to have the opportunity to experience (the game of chess) up close,” Bartlett said. “If you have a chess set you would like to donate or if you would like to contribute toward the purchase of chess sets so MCCL can purchase chess sets requested by Madison Chamber of Commerce members, you can visit madisonchess.com/products/161.”

MCCL will accept donated chess sets that have been used, but the sets need to be in good condition. Individuals can deliver donated chess sets when MCCL members meet for Monday Night Chess at Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd. from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

If anyone cannot deliver a set, contact MCCL to arrange for a meeting time with a staff member at Madison Public Library.

“The league was excited to donate its first chess set to Madison Chamber of Commerce member Avid Hotel in Town Madison. General Manager Seyma Goluoglu actually plays chess,” Bartlett said.

The first chess game fostered by the new program occurred at Avid Hotel with Goluoglu and Avid guest Jonathan Rasberry, who was coaching during Summer Chess Camp week in Madison. “MCCL hopes all the guests at Avid Hotel enjoy playing chess while they are in town,” Bartlett said.

In other MCCL activities, the league is recruiting volunteers to teach chess procedures during Kids Camp on July 5-8. The camp’s venue will be Dublin Park, and session times will be noon to 2 p.m.

Volunteers can sign up for the days when they can help. Bartlett will direct the chess activities, but the camp needs volunteers.

The organization’s mailing address is Madison City Chess League, P.O. Box 843, Madison, AL 35758. For more information, call 256-970-4762, email mccl.director@gmail.com or visit Facebook/Madison City Chess League or madisonchess.com.