Chess program for at-risk kids

Artwork by Mike Magnan

Lexington sheriff, school kids start chess program
Posted: Oct 28, 2011 3:03 AM CDT

LEXINGTON, S.C. (AP) - The Lexington County Sheriff's Department and Lexington County School District One are teaming up to start a chess program for at-risk kids.

Sheriff James Metts says the kickoff was scheduled for Friday at Rocky Creek Elementary School in Lexington. He says the program allows children to interact with law enforcement officers while learning to play chess.

Erik Murrah is the department's social media coordinator, and he is implementing the program with Rocky Creek assistant principal Adam Dymond. Murrah won the 2009 South Carolina Amateur Chess Championship and competes regularly in regional chess tournaments.

Murrah says children who participate regularly in chess games develop mental discipline and may experience improved test scores in math and science.

Source: http://www.wbtv.com