What do you do when you’re a chess lover and you’re running out of chess partners (who are only family members)? You start a chess club! That’s what 12-year-old Stefan Cieciwa, of Longford, has done with the Longford Library providing the perfect place to hang out on a Friday after school. Stefan’s 10-year-old sister Lillia will be there and the pair are hoping more kids will call in for a game. Chess boards provided!
YOUNG chess lovers of Longford and surrounds can now get together and hone their skills thanks to the initiative of 12-year-old Stefan Cieciwa. Stefan is home schooled by his mum Alex and his 10-year-old sister Lillia goes to Longford Primary School.
All three are right into chess and spend hours at home every day playing on the board that belonged to Alex’s late father – making it even more special.
“Rather than travel into Launceston to participate in a club Stefan decided to ask the Longford Library if he could start one here and they agreed,” Alex said. “We’re really hoping there’s plenty of kids willing to come along and give it a go and maybe if there’s enough interest we could get one going for adults too.”
Stefan, who can be found reading chess books when he’s not actually playing chess such is his obsession, is keen to find some opponents who aren’t his family. “I like playing chess because there’s so many moves and combinations to learn, there really is a lot of thinking involved.”
This and several other fun activities have been planned at the library to stave off any school holiday boredom.
Chess Club: Play will start on April 14 for the first time, from 4pm-6pm, at the Longford Library and will be held every Friday ongoing (except for public holidays).
The 3D Rainbows Circle Loom Weaving: Learn about 3D collage and construct your own colourful rainbow art piece. Choose your colours and learn a simple technique to turn seven strands of wool into an eye-catching bracelet or bookmark. This activity is available anytime during the April school holidays.
VR Headsets: Have you ever wanted to try out virtual reality? Drop in and have some fun using the VR headsets with popular games Beat Saber, Wander, Gorilla Tag and more. This activity is running on Thursday, April 20, 10am-1pm.
For more information contact Longford Library on 6777 2408 or Longford.library@libraries.tas. gov.au.