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Monday, February 16, 2004
3rd ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CHESS CLASSIC
at INDEPENDENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Saturday, January 31, 2004
The 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Chess Classic was held Saturday, January 31, 2004 at Independence Elementary School, 2345 Old Farm Road, in Bakersfield, CA.
Over 260 participants from 70 teams attended the Chess Event. Over 100 participants were from outside the Kern County Area (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Porterville, San Diego, etc.)
The Bakersfield Blitz Football Team mascot 'Crusher' attended the pre-opening ceremonies and managed to entertain all of our Chess participants and �Crushed� several future young Chess Masters in games of Chess. Thank you Crusher.
The National Anthem was performed beautifully in the opening ceremony by the Rosedale Middle School Select Choir under the direction of Ms. Carolyn DeMaffeto. This was followed by some brief opening remarks and words of encouragement by Assemblyman Kevin McCarthy to all of the participants.
The entertainment at the Closing Ceremonies was wonderful. The Rosedale Middle School Jazz Band under the direction of Ms. Peggy Biller entertained over 600 players, coaches, parents, grandparents and siblings for over � hour following the final round of chess.
Also, special thanks to over 75 volunteers for making everyone feel so welcome and for providing assistance, support and food to nearly 600 guests (including 260 participants at our Chess Event).
Channels 17 and 23 covered The 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Chess Classic and helped promote it to all of Kern County as a means of improving academic performance in our schools and as a sport.
Each participant was also provided a Free Buffet Meal Ticket from John's"
