In Memoriam: William Charles (Bill) Powell (1941–2024)
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
In Memoriam: William Charles (Bill) Powell (1941–2024)
A word from our Vice President Maya Burke.
Winter Family Day Chess Event: Sunday June 23rd - A Celebration of Community and Strategy
On a crisp Sunday morning, chess enthusiasts from all walks of life gathered at the Suncoast Chess Club in Buderim, Queensland, Australia. The occasion? The much-anticipated “Winter Family Day Chess Event.” The event was held in the Theatre Section of the BWMCA hall. As the sun peeked through the clouds, the chessboards were set, and the air buzzed with excitement.
Welcoming Speeches
As the current incumbent of being the Vice President, I played a pivotal role behind the scenes. orchestrating a special invitation to none other than Mayor Rosanna Natoli of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. Mayor Natoli arrived, and at precisely 12:00 pm, I kicked off the event with an eloquent welcoming speech. I set the tone for a day of camaraderie, strategy, and shared passion.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli took the stage next. Her speech was nothing short of inspiring—a heartfelt tribute to the Chess Community of our region. She acknowledged the tireless efforts of our hard-working committee members, past and present. These volunteers form the backbone of our non-profit chess club, and Mayor Natoli made sure their dedication did not go unnoticed.
Committee Members in the Spotlight
Mayor Natoli graciously recognized the following committee members:
- Maya Burke as Vice President and for Welcoming and extending this invite to the Mayor Rosanna Natoli.
- Harry Hirst as Treasurer and sits on the board of the green cloth for the club.
- Glenn Ingham as Secretary for the club recent driving force for extending the club into a more recognized and serious contender on a national level.
- Rebecca Bleney & Jeff Dyer who tirelessly held the club together over many of the early years and holding many roles for the club to forge ahead.
- Aidan Leask: as Tournament Director who is acting as the current tournament director for the club and is running the show today.
- Wendy Coghill an inspiration and has been assiduous to bringing chess to the attention of Women and Girls on the Sunshine Coast community to the various schools and hosting Day of Excellence events.
- Tony Powell as Junior Development Officer who has worked with many state & private schools and colleges on the Sunshine coast to bring chess to the young students by organizing interschool tournaments, teaching, and encouraging them along the way.
- John Potts: One of the founders and visionaries laid the foundation for this enduring legacy.
- Bill Powell: The Clubs first Open Chess Tournament was organized by him in the late 1980’s
- Christopher Koloszar as President, who works tirelessly with the Team to promote, manage, and move the club into a more serious contender on the Chess Tournament Circuit.
Conclusion
As the event unfolded, families huddled around boards, children learned from seasoned players, and the spirit of chess enveloped us all. The Winter Family Day Chess Event wasn’t just about moves and tactics; it was a celebration of community, strategy, and the enduring magic of 64 squares.
Overall Results:
Open
1st - Alfred Zuegn 6/7
2nd - Lei Zhao 5.5/7
3rd - Conner Mclaren 5/7
Under 18
1st - Karen Hooshmandi 5/7
2nd - Noah Zi 5/7
3rd - Nate Bell 4/7
Under 9
1st - Hantha Oo 5/7
2nd - Ayaansh Vijay 4.5/7
3rd - Thor White 4/7
All other players with a score of 5/7 got a Merit
Chris Koloszar
Rebecca Bleney
Peter Lubke
Simon Roach
Our humble man of the green cloth Harry Hirst relinquished his prize and gave up his overall win and handed this over to the other chess competitors to enjoy the fruits of their win.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Rosanna Natoli, our committee members, and every participant who made this day memorable. Until the next planned Spring FDE in September 2024 our pawns will continue to advance, checkmate, and victory dances will echo through our club, and we will remain united by the love of chess.
Contact Us
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Winter 2024 Family Day Event photos
Suncoast Chess Club Community a thanks from the President
Autumn Family Day Event Sunday 7th April 2024
On Sunday, April 7th, 2024, our Community Suncoast Chess Family Day unfolded with a harmonious blend of strategy, camaraderie, and youthful enthusiasm. With approximately 56 registered entries, the event buzzed with anticipation as players from diverse age groups took their places at the chessboards.
Youngsters, some as tender as 5 years old, showcased their budding talent, their eyes alight with the thrill of competition. The chess arena was divided into three distinct groups:
- Under 12-year-olds: These pint-sized prodigies maneuvered their knights and bishops with remarkable finesse.
- 12 to 18-year-olds: The middle group, brimming with teenage energy, engaged in cerebral battles that left spectators in awe.
- 18 years and above: The final age group, seasoned and determined, strategized their moves with the wisdom that comes from experience.
Across 7 intense rounds, each player faced the ticking clock—a mere 15 minutes to outwit their opponent. The air crackled with tension, and the chess pieces danced in intricate patterns.
But beyond the checkmates and pawn sacrifices, our Community Suncoast Chess Family Day was a celebration of unity. Our dedicated community, affectionately known as “Chess Kids on the Coast”, stood shoulder to shoulder, their families cheering them on. Their unwavering support transformed the event into a resounding success.
And now, as the dust settles and the final scores are tallied, we eagerly await the official ratings. The Chess Association of Queensland will soon bestow upon us the “Queensland Junior Rating”, a testament to the talent, sportsmanship, and community spirit that define our chess family.
Special thanks to our tireless volunteers who ensured the smooth running of this tournament:
- Maya Burke
- Aidan Leske and his partner Michaela
- Rebecca Bleney
- Harry Hirst
Their dedication behind the scenes made this day possible. Let’s continue to nurture our chess community, one move at a time! ♟️🌟
