[view:float_right_thumb==1093]
St Louis, MO, Oct. 9, 2009 -- Chess for Life, the partnership program founded by the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, kicked-off at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine. The program's mission is to bring chess into Siteman for patients and their families.
"Chess for Life is special for us. Playing chess can help bring an escape and enjoyment in a time of tremendous stress," said Chess Club Executive Director Tony Rich to the crowd, which included competitors in the 2009 U.S. Women's Chess Championship.
Chess for Life provides chess tables, boards and pieces, along with volunteers who will play and offer instruction. In addition, Siteman patients will be able to access a website allowing them to play with other people or a computer.
"Our goal is to grow our Chess for Life outreach program throughout the U.S., and we are honored to have the program launch here at the Siteman Center," said Rich.
Chess for Life was inspired by Jim Corbett, a Siteman patient who was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer. During his treatment, Corbett's mood was lifted when he began playing chess. The Chess Club established Chess for Life as a tribute to Corbett who died last December.
For more information on how to volunteer for Chess for Life call the Siteman volunteer office at 314-747-7222 or the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis at 800-600-3606 or visit www.saintlouischessclub.org.
