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—
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
encourages the people of the United States to observe National Chess Day with appropriate programs and activities.