November 10, 2016
Nuhaka cleans up in chess comp
For the third year in a row Nuhaka School has come out top of Te Tairawhiti Chess Tournament.
More than 60 students from 10 schools competed at the event, organised by Gisborne Eastern Knights Chess Club and hosted by Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Mangatuna.
Nuhaka principal Nick Chapman says chess has been a major feature at the school and the surrounding community for more than a decade – ever since the Eastern Knights’ Genesis Poutini – immortalised in the film The Dark Knight – come down to run workshops.
He says in many countries chess is part of the school curriculum.
"It’s a strategy game. It's a cognitive game, It's a mind sport. It builds resiliance in kids. Kids take it on board, They love playing chess. Give them the time to learn it, give them the time to play it, they play it well. It's about strategies and critical thinking and good judgment, all the stuff you promote in schools to make better citizens," Mr Chapman says.
Te Kauhu Barber, who topped the tournament, is an all rounder who also excels in rugby and gymnastics.
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