INDIANAPOLIS — Chess is a hard game of patience and strategy, but hundreds of Indianapolis Public Schools students proved they were up for the challenge.
IPS hosted its 3rd annual district-wide chess tournament at Northwest Middle School on Tuesday. More than 200 students from kindergarten to high school participated, where they competed in teams representing their schools and in groups based on their grade.
The competition has grown from its first iteration in 2022, when only 70 students participated.
This year's field included Michael Akinseye, an eighth-grader at Northwest Middle School.
"It's a skill not everyone knows, and it's special to me," Akinseye said. "It's a little nerve-racking not knowing what the other players could do, but I just know what I can do, and I do my best."
Akinseye said he was inspired to join his school's chess club after a chess grandmaster visited his class in sixth grade. He is now excited for every chance he has to compete.
"A couple moves before you get a checkmate, you know you're going to get a checkmate," Akinseye said. "It's like, I finally got what I wanted."
IPS is planning to bring back the chess tournament for another run next year.
-
Indiana childcare providers warn of closures following recent cuts
Dozens of childcare providers from around the state gathered on Indianapolis’ east side to warn that recent state budget cuts to early childhood programs could lead to closures.
First rain in 12 days creates slick roads, hazardous conditions for Hoosiers
It hasn't rained in Indianapolis since September 25, meaning oil and dirt from cars have built up for about a week and a half on the roads.
Flight tracker indicates plane carrying Texas National Guard lands in Indiana
A flight tracker indicates a National Guard C-17 aircraft from Texas landed at Grissom Air Reserve Base near Peru, Indiana, Monday night around 11 p.m.
Mooresville Public Library writing new chapter with extensive renovation
2025 is a year of change for the Mooresville Public Library, thanks to constant construction, but the library is on track to unveil its new look by the end of the year.
