Chess Power provide a fantastic opportunity for school children to develop their chess skills and to take part in many exciting and well-run tournaments throughout the country. Head Coach Paul Macdonald builds a strong rapport with children of all ages, motivating and encouraging each one to do their best. Chess Power offer an extensive array of certificates, trophies, medals and prizes – no one goes home from a Chess Power event empty-handed, although the prestigious awards are reserved for those who truly merit them. Girls are given extra encouragement – although just as skilled as the boys, fewer tend to compete in chess – Chess Power are working hard to correct this by encouraging meritous performance. Paul Macdonald has a strong team working with him. Even when he is not personally present, other Chess Power staff bring the same calm discipline and inspiration to their tournaments. And often tournaments include practical coaching tips, and brain-stimulating puzzles, so the children leave as better players. For interschool tournaments the Chess Power method of taking the scores of the best four kids on the day is much easier and fairer then schools making up their own ranked teams - no allegations of abuse by mis-rankings of the team (deliberate or otherwise) - all players have an incentive to do their best and a silly mistake by your top player means another player can step up and take their place. The website at www.chesspower.co.nz contains detailed results on each tournament – very useful when trying to identify challenging opponents and weaknesses that need work. And helpful for ranking players when required for other school chess tournaments. Paul and his team at Chess Power have a passion for chess and for children to play chess. I am very grateful that they give so many children so many opportunities to play at well run tournaments. Being able to play often, and competitively, is very important for improving play. Chess Power are a powerful force for children's chess in New Zealand. If you want your kids to succeed at chess, send them to a Chess Power event. Thank you Paul, and your team. Long may you continue growing kids minds!

Joseph Teofilo from the Wairarapa, who has participated in past Chess Power National Finals and Chess Power Champions Trophy events including October this year, was awarded wairarapa Maori male Junior Sportsman of the Year and the Peoples Choice trophy for his achievements in chess both regionally and nationally. From Joseph's achievement at this regional awards evening, it has put a spotlight on chess and we're hoping this will encourage more of our young to take part! Thanks for all you do Paul, you and your team do a fantastic job, and Joseph is certainly looking forward to the 2016 tournaments!