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Program 1: Chess for Cognitive Recovery & Connection

In partnership with Brain Injury Association of Windsor & Essex County

 Program Goal

To use chess as a cognitive, social, and confidence-building activity for individuals living with brain injuries, while training chess volunteers in empathy, patience, and inclusive leadership.

 How Chess Players Can Help

Junior and adult chess volunteers will:

  • Play friendly, non-competitive chess games
  • Assist participants with:
    • Piece movement and basic rules
    • Visual tracking and focus
    • Turn-taking and decision-making
  • Offer social interaction and encouragement
  • Adapt pace and rules to participants’ abilities

Chess becomes a tool for recovery, not competition

 Program Activities

  •  Guided casual chess sessions
  •  Chess puzzles for memory & attention
  •  One-on-one or small-group play
  •  Social chess time (conversation + play)

Sessions are relaxed, supportive, and flexible.

 Volunteers

  • Junior chess players (with orientation)
  • Adult players & parents
  • WCC volunteers earning community hours

Volunteers receive:

  • Basic brain-injury awareness orientation
  • Clear conduct & communication guidelines
  • Verified volunteer hours
  •  Impact

For participants

  • Cognitive stimulation
  • Reduced isolation
  • Improved confidence

For volunteers

  • Empathy & leadership development
  • Health-care & community service exposure
  • Meaningful volunteer experience

First session

Program 2: Across the Chess Board: Generations Together at Senior Retirement Residence

 Program Goal

To build intergenerational connections through chess—linking junior players with seniors for companionship, learning, and shared joy.

 Program Concept

Chess becomes a bridge between generations, encouraging conversation, mentorship, and mutual respect.

 Program Activities

  •  Friendly chess games (no ratings, no pressure)
  •  Seniors share life stories; juniors share chess skills
  •  Simple puzzles & memory games
  •  Social chess time

Optional themes:

  • “Teach Me Chess”
  • “Play & Chat”
  • “Memory & Strategy Day”

 Volunteers

  • Junior chess players (U18)
  • Adult supervisors / WCC coordinators

Juniors learn:

  • Communication skills
  • Respectful interaction
  • Patience & responsibility

 Impact

For seniors

  • Mental stimulation
  • Reduced loneliness
  • Joyful interaction with youth

For juniors

  • Confidence & leadership
  • Community awareness
  • Volunteer hours for school

Schedule

Across the Chess Board: Generations Together at Senior Retirement Residence

When: Thursday, Feb 5,2026 at 6:30-7:30

Location:Kensington Court Retirement Residence

Address: 1953 Cabana Road W, Windsor, ON N9G 2N2

When:Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026  at 6-7pm

Location: Amica Riverside 

Address:4909 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON N8Y 0A4

When:  Tuesday, March 24, 2026 6:30-8pm

Location: Seasons Royal Oak Village Retirement Home in LaSalle

2400 Sandwich West Parkway

Highlights moments

Program3: Chess Tournaments

Program Overview
This volunteer program allows participants to earn community service hours by supporting three Windsor Chess Club chess tournaments. Volunteers gain hands-on experience in event organization, leadership, and community engagement while promoting chess as an inclusive educational activity.

Eligibility:

  • Students (12+)
  • Parents
  • Chess players
  • Community members

Hours tracked and verified by Windsor Chess Club

 Volunteer Roles

Volunteers may rotate roles across tournaments:

1. Tournament Setup & Cleanup

  • Set up chess boards, clocks, tables, and signage
  • Assist with cleanup and equipment storage

2. Registration & Check-In

  • Check in players
  • Distribute pairing sheets and score sheets
  • Answer basic questions

3. Playing Hall Support

  • Maintain quiet playing environment
  • Guide players and parents
  • Direct players between rounds

4. Junior Volunteer Roles (Supervised)

  • Help younger players find boards
  • Assist with score sheets
  • Promote sportsmanship

5. Community & Outreach Support

  • Take photos (with permission)
  • Assist charity or community initiatives linked to the event
  • Help promote future programs

Send emails to windsorchessclub2025@gmail.com

Sign Up Link: https://forms.gle/wkD3CNvVzRY4nwqi7

We will follow up with next steps and available opportunities.Categories_