[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ADVAIT ``ADI'' PATEL

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. NICK J. RAHALL, II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 30, 2012

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor one of America's newest 
National Elementary Chess Champions, nine-year-old Advait ``Adi'' 
Patel, who hails from Logan County, West Virginia. This Logan Middle 
School fifth grader placed first in the recent competition that drew 
2,200 young people to test their skills, stamina and heart. We salute 
all those who helped organize the competition and who nurture our 
country's future generations. In Adi's case, beyond the thrill of 
victory and the satisfaction of success, we can find useful lessons for 
both today's and tomorrow's leaders.
  Competing with the latest video games and their striking graphics has 
not been the easiest time for the venerable game of chess, but one 
thing that can usually trump the newest technology is old fashioned 
love; especially the love of a grandfather in India, who took the time 
and patience to teach Adi how to play the game during a visit.
  Adi's parents have been very supportive as well, taking him to 
faraway tournaments and providing him lessons and online access to 
other players. Importantly, they are behind his pursuit as long as he 
still loves the game, another feather in their parental caps.
  Likewise, Adi is as thoughtful off the board as he is during a tough 
game. He recently commented in a local news story that, ``It's fun to 
play, and there's no brawl in it--no fighting physically,'' Advait 
said. ``It helps me with school, too. Math is a lot easier now. I've 
had straight A's ever since I started playing, because it teaches you 
how to focus. There is a lot of thinking in chess.''
  With our national focus on today's student science and math 
accomplishments translating into tomorrow's innovations and 
entrepreneurs, Adi's example sets exactly the right tone for his fellow 
students, teachers and school administrators alike.
  Adi's chess coach, David Saville, believes a chess player's best 
skill is to be able to ``visualize the future.'' I think we can all 
visualize a brighter future with the talent, values, hard work and 
dedication displayed by Adi, his coach and family.

                          ____________________