October 28, 2025 -- The 2025 Interschool Chess Tournament, held on Saturday, October 25 at the Regina Public Library – George Bothwell Branch, brought together students from across Regina for a day of strategy, teamwork, and community connection.
The event was organized by Sougoto Das Chakrabarty, a Grade 10 student at Sheldon-Williams Collegiate, whose leadership and initiative helped unite players from Regina Public, Regina Catholic, and independent schools. A total of 27 students from 17 schools participated, ranging from elementary to high school levels. Special guests included Dr. B. R. Datta and Dr. Indra Datta who inaugurated the event and City Councillor Victoria Flores who shared some encouraging words. The tournament was supported by the Queen City Chess Club (QCCC), which provided mentorship, tournament resources, and event coordination guidance. Salema Forrest, EAL teacher at Wascana Plains School and the Media & Communications Director for QCCC, worked behind the scenes to facilitate outreach and promotion. The event drew widespread attention and was featured by CTV News Regina and CBC Saskatchewan Morning Edition, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for youth chess and student-led community initiatives. Organizers hope this will be the first of many collaborative chess events designed to strengthen partnerships between schools and foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and sportsmanship among students. As interest in scholastic chess continues to rise, both Sheldon-Williams Collegiate and the Queen City Chess Club are looking forward to future tournaments that build on this success and continue to encourage more chess in schools and the community. Written by Salema Forrest, EAL Teacher Wascana Plains & Henry Braun schools.Watch the CTV Regina coverage here: https://www.ctvnews.ca/regina/article/grade-10-student-organizes-chess-tournament-attracting-some-of-reginas-top-youth-competitors/
Listen to the CBC Saskatchewan Morning Edition coverage here: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-66-the-morning-edition-sask/clip/16178094-regina-high-school-students-hosts-first-ever-interschool-chess
Read more about Chess for Hope: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A7gNZZJBL/
