III 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 539 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES August 1, 2012 Mr. Rockefeller (for himself, Mr. Alexander, and Mr. Levin) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating October 13, 2012, as National Chess Day.

Whereas there are more than 80,000 members of the United States Chess Federation (referred to in this preamble as the Federation), and an unknown number of additional people in the United States who play chess without joining an official organization; Whereas approximately 1/2 of the members of the Federation are members of scholastic chess programs, and many of those members join the Federation by the age of 10; Whereas the Federation is very supportive of scholastic chess programs and sponsors a Certified Chess Coach program that provides the coaches involved in the scholastic chess programs with training and ensures schools and students can have confidence in the programs; Whereas many studies have linked scholastic chess programs to the improvement of students' scores in reading and math, as well as improved self-esteem; Whereas the Federation offers guidance to educators to help incorporate chess into the school curriculum; Whereas chess is a powerful cognitive learning tool that can be used to successfully enhance students' reading skills and understanding of math concepts; and Whereas chess engages students of all learning styles and strengths and promotes problem-solving and higher-level thinking skills: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)designates October 13, 2012, as National Chess Day to enhance awareness and encourage students and adults to play chess, a game known to enhance critical-thinking and problem-solving skills; and (2)encourages the people of the United States to observe National Chess Day with appropriate programs and activities.