On Friday 2nd September, Prospect played host to a northern regional schools’ chess tournament. The school gym was scene to a vibrant atmosphere of over 100 students from a wide range of schools in our region.

25 Prospect students from all year levels rose to the occasion and gave cheerful hospitality to all visitors. It was great to see the mingling among students from all schools, most often occurring through groups clad in different-coloured uniforms poring over close games and strategies.

The Prospect team comprises of many students who have been growing their capacities magnificently. In some cases, students have gone from knowing little about the game at the start of the year to being keen 'students of the game'. In other cases, as with many of our strong Year 9 cohort, the tournaments have been a focus for them to take on the best students in the state. Prospect was certainly in the 'deep-end' at the tournament but performed in great spirit. It has been valuable experience and there is talk of Prospect being the hosts next year as well.

In other good news, Prospect has qualified for the state finals in Term 4, on the strength of the efforts of leading students in first semester. These will be held at Scotch Oakburn on 31^st October. In the meantime, a northern state coach with decades of experience will be visiting us soon to give a masterclass or two. Links are also being built with St Pat’s with whom we hope to compete regularly with in a “local derby” - starting next term.

The vibe on the day was great, both among visiting adults who complimented the school and among visiting students. Momentum for chess is strong here.

At the bigger picture level, the game has a case for being a “sport of the mind”. Chess is appearing more in the sports sections of the newspapers. Also helping inspire is the digital world where current championship games can be studied for all their intrigues on Chess.com and Lichess, while grandmasters on YouTube channels inspire new possibilities with their wizardry.

Those possibilities, like the game itself, are endless.

Thanks must go to James Briant of Black Square Chess, without whom the opportunity would not happen. James sensed the enthusiasm for chess at Prospect and encouraged the school to host. He and his mother Melissa operated the software on the day on which the tournament depended. They weathered a crash at one stage and no coffee breaks! James runs chess programs throughout the state and is a former state champion himself.

Thanks also goes to the PE staff on the day for giving up the Gym space; and to the maintenance team for setting up and dismantling. Thanks goes to all of Prospect’s 25 players on their 'home turf'. Special mention for shining at their games on the day, the result of great growth this year, goes to Travis, Quinn and Marco of Year 9, and Joebe of Year 7.