The Gift of Chess reaches Portland Maine

The Gift of Chess is excited to partner with local community leaders in Portland Maine to expand and formalize our outreach to vulnerable communities. We believe that chess is a low-cost and high-impact solution to connect and inspire people by bridging socio-economic, language, cultural and age barriers. Since early January we have been working with homeless youth in the asylum-seeking community in greater Portland. We have already seen youth leaders emerge who are now spreading the gift of chess to other vulnerable youth. We have hosted 2 tournaments, inviting friends and neighbors across greater Portland to connect over the chess board. This weekend our chess team will compete in its first US chess federation tournament.

We are bringing on full-time staff to expand the outreach to veterans, nursing home residents and incarcerated people.

This is about all of us. No matter our race, our language, our background, or even our ability… This is about community, hard work, determination and the power of connection in an increasingly disconnected world. Please partner with us and be a part of a global movement of empowerment and positive change.

If you are interested in volunteering with our Gift of Chess outreach across Portland Maine please fill out the form below.