[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 2, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 255--DESIGNATING OCTOBER 8, 2011, AS ``NATIONAL CHESS 
DAY'' TO ENHANCE AWARENESS AND ENCOURAGE STUDENTS AND ADULTS TO ENGAGE 
IN A GAME KNOWN TO ENHANCE CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER (for himself, Mr. Alexander, and Mr. Levin) submitted 
the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 255

       Whereas there are more than 76,000 members of the United 
     States Chess Federation (referred to in this preamble as the 
     ``Federation''), and unknown numbers of additional people in 
     the United States who play the game without joining an 
     official organization;
       Whereas approximately \1/2\ of the members of the 
     Federation are scholastic members, and many of the scholastic 
     members join by the age of 10;
       Whereas the Federation is very supportive of the scholastic 
     programs and sponsors a Certified Chess Coach program that 
     provides the coaches involved in the scholastic programs 
     training and ensures schools and students can have confidence 
     in the programs;
       Whereas many studies have linked chess programs to the 
     improvement of student scores in reading and math, as well as 
     improved self-esteem;
       Whereas the Federation offers a school curriculum 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 reading and 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
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates October 8, 2011, as ``National Chess Day''; 
     and
       (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     ``National Chess Day'' with appropriate programs and 
     activities.

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