is there to do in-between games after all, except have a little fun?
And for all the girls, there was also the special treat of getting
to meet and be inspired by Ruth Haring, president of the USCF,
who was present throughout the tournament to encourage and
offer words of wisdom. After the final games, for example, Ruth
made sure to visit team rooms and cheer on the girls’ efforts. While
speaking to one team, she told them to keep playing chess, grow
up to be strong players, and ... “beat people!” interjected one
spritely girl. When Ruth tried to finish, the girl repeated, “beat
people! beat people!”
So there you have it: there was definitely not a lack of spirited
competition at the All-Girls Chess Championships! There was the
usual nervousness and tension, but there was definitely no lack
of excitement and fun. So go out there and “beat people!”
EVERYONE’S GETTING READY FOR THEIR MATCH TO BEGIN.
GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A GREAT GAME!
uschess.org
COMPETITION GETS FIERCE!
Chess Life — July 2012
35