Lenox Advocates Chess For Veterans, Physically-Challenged

 

The Illinois Chess Vets spread the word about chess at the Chicago Abilities Expo from June 24 to 26. ICA Veterans Committee Chairman Michael Lenox estimated there were as many as 5000 attendees across the three days.

Lenox broadcast play-by-play announcements of blitz games using a wireless microphone and PA system, attracting visitors to the group's display. The Vets hosted 2014 US Blind Champion Jim Thoune who had driven up from Bowling Green, KY. 

Thoune won games against all challengers, except for that of Robert Stoltz -- who was somewhat of a ringer.

Stoltz is the Illinois Chess Vets Program Director for Veterans Administration (VA) Programs and is a Class A tournament player.

Lenox reports a highlight of the event was watching Thoune play a USCF 1500-rated deaf player with the help of an interpreter.

Jim also talked with the mother of a 13-year old son with macular degeneration. Despite her son's limited eyesight, the mother reports her son to be "avid chess player". "She expects he will be fully blind by this year’s end and that one of his main concerns is that he won’t be able to play chess anymore."

As a chess instructor at the Hadley Institute for the Blind located in Winnetka, the blind champion agreed to become her son’s mentor.

Thoune trained both Stoltz and Lenox, both neophyte tournament directors, on how to properly conduct US Chess-rated matches for blind players.

Lenox suggests the event will lead to more good things: the appearance resulted in invitations to three more Chicago-area conventions. It may also lead to partnership with other veteran's groups.

And as if this appearance on the ICA website were not enough, Lenox indicated that multiple nationally-distributed magazines were interested in giving the Illinois Chess Vets efforts coverage.

To communicate with the ICV, Lenox suggests interested parties contact Robert at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..