Society “Osmi Dan” from Pozarevac, Serbia, which gathers kids with Down syndrome and their parents, has decided to join forces with the local chess club “Dr Pera Mitrovic” and introduce chess to its members.
At the preliminary meeting the kids were delighted with the game, and following further consultation with “Osmi Dan” and the experts, it was agreed to start chess classes and playing sessions.
Chess coach Ivan Arsenijevic will work with a group of 14 kids aged between 3-13. Chairwoman of “Osmi Dan” Nevenka Gajic, specialist Aleksandra Petrovic and the parents will be actively involved.
Coach Ivan Arsenijevic (right) and coordinator Vojkan Petrovic with members of “Osmi Dan”
The aim of the project is to help the kids’ communication, socialisation and integration. In the long term it is expected to include the kids in the regional chess competitions.
Society “Osmi Dan” and chess club “Dr Pera Mitrovic” were in part inspired by the success of the Mind Moves chess club from Tasmania.
With the lack of research related to the impact of chess on the kids with Down syndrome, the leaders of the project are urging the organizations with similar activities to get in touch and share their experiences (email vojkan5rovic@yahoo.com).
