Chess.com is hosting a star-studded charity event with Lide Haiti, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk girls in Haiti.
The June 2 event will be live-streamed on Twitch and bring together, among others, The Office actor and Lide Haiti’s co-founder Rainn Wilson, Chess.com’s Chief Chess Officer Danny Rensch, and the acclaimed U.S. grandmaster Maurice Ashley.
Rainn, a chess fan who made it to the final of Chess.com’s Pogchamps 3 tournament in 2021 to win $11,500 for Lide Haiti said: “It’s all about raising money for our arts and literacy programs for these girls and Chess.com is starting out the fundraising with a $10,000 gift and 400 chess sets. It’s going to be really exciting, it’s going to be several hours of chess playing and banter and fun, all for a great cause on Twitch.tv/chess.”
Speaking on Chess.com’s Champions Chess Tour broadcast, he added: “I think chess greatly expands how you use your brain, how you use your mind, it opens up possibilities, it gives a person confidence and I think it would be really exciting for our girls to learn chess and to have that as part of their curriculum.”
Rainn said his own game is “a little flabby these days,” but when asked if he’ll play, he said, “We’ll see what happens.”
FM Joshua Colas, who broke the record of the youngest African-American to become a U.S. national master in 2010, will also feature alongside his father, Guy. Tris-Ann Richards, the president of the St. Lucia Chess Federation, and Jamaica’s top female player WIM Deborah Richards-Porter complete the lineup.
As part of the event, Chess.com will also be making a significant contribution to support Lide Haiti’s mission. The organization will be donating $10,000, which will be utilized to fund educational initiatives and provide much-needed resources for underprivileged students in Haiti.
Additionally, Chess.com will also be contributing 400 chessboards, empowering children with the tools they need to explore the strategic and intellectual benefits of the game.
Lide Haiti, known for its exceptional work in providing educational opportunities and empowering at-risk girls in Haiti, shares a vision of fostering creativity, self-confidence, and mental health among its students.
By integrating chess into its programs, the organization seeks to harness the transformative power of the game to stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional well-being.
The event will be broadcast live on Twitch, allowing viewers from around the world to join in and support the cause.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Lide Haiti and bring the power of chess to young minds in Haiti,” said Rensch. “Chess is not only a game but a tool for personal growth, critical thinking, and mental development. By promoting chess in Haiti and supporting Lide Haiti’s efforts, we aim to empower girls to find their voices, thrive, and become actively engaged in their communities.”
Participants will engage in thrilling chess matches, showcase their skills, and share insights into the strategic aspects of the game. The event will also feature interviews and discussions with Wilson, Rensch, and Ashley, providing unique perspectives on the impact of chess on personal development and mental well-being.
The legendary GM Maurice Ashley will participate in the event, alongside Danny Rensch, Rainn Wilson, and more.
Chess enthusiasts, supporters of Lide Haiti’s mission, and individuals passionate about empowering at-risk girls are invited to tune in to the Twitch live stream at 2 p.m. PT/23:00 CEST on June 2 and contribute to this worthy cause.
Donations and support received during the event will go directly toward providing educational resources, chess training, and mentorship opportunities for the students of Lide Haiti.
