Mayors’ Chess Challenge Offers Chance to Match Wits with Parkland’s Rich Walker

By Ryan Yousefi

Do you have what it takes to match wits with Mayor Rich Walker? Now’s your chance to make your move.

The Parkland leg of the Mayors’ Chess Challenge takes place on Saturday, January 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Parkland Recreation and Enrichment Center (PREC) located at 10559 Trails End. 

Offered as a free and friendly series of meet-ups in cities across Broward County, the event was initially put together by Sunrise Mayor Michael J. Ryan in cooperation with mayors from throughout South Florida to draw attention to the benefits of playing chess.  

More than just a chance to learn and/or play a classic game that encourages concentration and a battle of wits, the Mayors’ Chess Challenge offers a laidback setting to interact with city leaders. 

“The Chess Challenge is always a great event, and a unique opportunity,” Parkland Director of Communications Todd DeAngelis told Parkland Talk.

“It serves to draw attention to the benefits of chess in the academic arena and in the community in general. Players of all ages, from novice to expert, can play and interact with Parkland Mayor Rich Walker and members of the City of Parkland City Commission.”

Never played chess before? No worries.

For attendees that are new to the game and would like to participate, there will be free lessons and instructions available at the event. All you must do to participate is show up to the event ready to learn one of the oldest games ever played. 

Novice or chess connoisseur, you may even get to leave the event saying you matched wits with the Mayor of Parkland himself. 

“Mayor Walker will be at the event this year, and he does play,” DeAngelis said.   

“We encourage Parkland, especially Parkland youth, to come out and play when the Chess Challenge comes to our city.”

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