North Hempstead, NY –Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Councilwoman Viviana Russell, in partnership with Samba 360, have announced that FREE chess classes will be offered at the North Hempstead “Yes We Can” Community Center beginning December 14. The program will be taught by nationally-ranked chess player, Tim Carney. The co-ed class will provide free chess instruction for up to 20 children, grades 2 through 5. All participants must be members of the Community Center.

“We are proud to be hosting this new program for our residents. Studies have shown that chess can have educational benefits such as boosting reading levels, mathematics scores and improving overall academic performance,” said Supervisor Judi Bosworth. The 8-week long program will last until February 8 (no class on January 18) culminating with a tournament where each participant will receive a free chess set courtesy of Samba 360. If more than 20 players sign up, players will be selected through a lottery during the first week of December.

Samba 360, a 501 (C) 3 not-for-profit organization provides relief to disadvantaged children, both domestically and abroad, through the collection of donated sporting and other recreational equipment. It strives to increase youth participation in sports, regardless of economic status. For more information on the organization, visit: www.samba360.org

The Chess Nuts, also known as the Long Island Chess Nuts, is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 and currently has over 2,000 members on Long Island. Their goal is to promote the positive benefits of chess through friendly competition, camaraderie and boosting self-esteem.

E-mail brown@samba360.org to sign up.