Chess is choice for these boys

11th October 2007

Chess is cool. Honest. Just ask Lee Kire, captain of Peterhead School's intermediate chess team. "I like it because it makes you think," the 13-year-old said.

"The best part is saying checkmate."

Lee was a member of the school's intermediate team that, along with the primary group, came third representing the region at the National Interschool Teams Chess Tournament in Palmerston North late last month.

It is believed to be the first time a school has had two podium finishes, and continues the school's formiddable chess reputation - the primary team placed second at the same competition last year.

Peterhead's chess co-ordinator, teacher Sally Rice, said the school had a strong chess tradition "even before these boys were born".

"It started 20 or so years ago with a young teacher (Kim Whittington) who was a keen chess player and very charismatic.

"The kids flocked to play because it was him teaching. I have carried it on."

Leading up to the competition, pupils were allowed 15 minutes out of class three times a week to play, attended the annual chess camp, and once a week took on opponents more than twice their age at the Hastings Havelock Chess Club.

"The (adults) treat them like little gentlemen," she said.

Mrs Rice said the boys were "nice special kids, who joined in anything".

Lee, in particular, had a superb temperament. But don't peg him for a bookish type - when he's not making sly moves in a hushed hall, Lee's aiming for a win on the rugby field.