Critical Moves

Frank DelBonis and Dan Amadio know that with the right motivation even students in some of our most underserved communities can achieve great things – they’ve seen it firsthand. As the coaches of the Central Falls Chess Team, which includes both middle and high school level competitors, they’ve taken kids from one of the most challenging school districts in the state to the US National Championships four out of the last five years, placing in the top 10 each time. More importantly, however, the achievement and empowerment translate beyond chess matches: the tournament team’s rate of math proficiency on NECAP tests was 100%, well above the district average of 16%. We caught up with DelBonis and Amadio as they were raising funds to attend Supernationals (an effort that netted them $2500 from no less than Alec Baldwin), and asked them how chess can be a tool for development.

FD: Chess helps build critical thinking skills, and forces us to consider the consequences of our actions.

DA: Chess develops life skills. These include concentration, problem-solving, mental toughness, emotional self-control and creativity.

FD: Chess helps gives kids the building blocks to achieve success in other areas. The game challenges them to learn from their mistakes and to take calculated risks.

DA: Chess teaches our students to think on their feet. They are better able to deal with adversity. They learn to find a creative solution.

FD: We have all our players participate in local adult tournaments and at the Blackstone Chess Club in Pawtucket, where they can play against Chess Master David Harris. This teaches them not to be intimidated by age or circumstances.

FD: We give our students leadership responsibilities. They organize rides from their peers and parents to attend events. The high school students are expected to work with the new middle school players. Many of our kids have even been trained as chess tournament directors. These opportunities give our students a sense of empowerment.

DA: We have also seen our graduates become leaders in the community. Many have gone on to finish college and lead successful lives. They still stay in touch with us.

Want to see the team in action? They’ll be hosting a fundraiser at The Dorrance (60 Dorrance St.) on June 10 from 6-8pm. Students from the Central Falls Chess Team will be taking on CEOs from some of the state’s top companies, including Bob DiMuccio of Amica, Charlie Kroll of Andera and Karl Wadenstein of VIBCO. Proceeds will fund their trip to Supernationals. Purchase tickets here.