Israeli kids under the age of six compete in national chess tournament
This year 64 competitors took part in the U-6 tournament.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFIsraelis wait for their turn to play against former Indian chess world champion Viswanathan Anand and former Russian chess world champion Anatoly Karpov (both not pictured) as they play simultaneous matches against tens of Israeli players during an event marking Israel's 70th anniversary at Jerusale(photo credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)
The U-6 Israeli Chess Championship was held last week in Rishon Lezion.The competition, which has been held every year since 2008, invites children under the age of six to compete annually against other top Israeli youths, to encourage competition and the growth of chess throughout Israel.It is estimated that as of 2020, more than 10,000 Israeli children in kindergarten and first grade study or play chess in some capacity.This year, 64 competitors took part in the U-6 tournament.Noam Sasson topped the boys' division and Esther Glamidi won for the girls side. Both are members of the same chess club. Sasson also won the U-6 National "Maccabim" Championship the day before in Savyon.Lior Eisenberg, Chess for All Club manager and coach, explained that playing chess develops brain activity, strategic prowess and encourages high-level competition between children at young age.He added that it is not easy to bring children up to this level so early on in life, however, Israel is innovative in the ways they bring children together. So far, the initiatives have been successful, he said, and he expects 2020 to be another bright year for Israeli youth who play chess.
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