Kids jump aboard for valuable game time

By Shaun Inguanzo
IT’S a familiar scenario in an extraordinary setting.
School children at Maralinga Primary School are picking teams at lunchtime – but not for a game of footy.
Instead, the heated competition will take place on the school’s newly installed giant chessboard – so large that students often walk on to the playing field to manipulate the giant chess pieces.
Maralinga Primary School principal Peter Gray said the giant chessboard was installed as part of renewal works funded by the Federal Government.
In addition to the chessboard, new shade cloths, playgrounds and paving works have been completed.
A new barbecue area is almost complete.
Mr Gray said the school’s chess phenomenon began two years ago.
“The kids were taking part in chess competitions, so playing chess has since been an area of interest in general,” he said.
Mr Gray said the school ‘toyed with the idea’ of a giant chessboard with an indoor chess mat and accompanying pieces.
“But then we talked about how nice it would be to have something outside as well,” he said.
“It has been a real hit, with the kids taking the chess pieces outside, setting up and sorting out among themselves how they will play,” Mr Gray said.
“Sometimes they play in teams, and it is interesting to watch.
“From my point of view, I know the chess moves, but am not used to doing it sitting behind a board.
“The kids can actually stand on the board and over the pieces.”
Mr Gray said the ages-old board game attracted a regular crowd of at least 12 children, and offered a lunchtime outlet similar to football or any other competitive game.
“Some kids have a particular mindset to look at things analytically and are using those talents in chess, which helps to develop them,” he said.
“Not everyone is the same, as some prefer kicking the footy, for example.
“But, some kids do have an interest in strategy so they just lap it (the chessboard) up.”