Jay Rockefeller: “I rise in support of a bipartisan resolution to designate National Chess Day as October 13, 2012. I greatly appreciate…”

“I rise in support of a bipartisan resolution to designate National Chess Day as October 13, 2012. I greatly appreciate the support of my colleagues, Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Senator Carl Levin of Michigan. National Chess Day is designed to enhance awareness and encourage students and adults to engage in a game known to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. There are over 80,000 members of the Chess Federation with many of these members joining before the age of 10. Studies indicate that chess programs aid in improving students' scores in math and reading and interest students of all learning styles and strengths. Engaging students in such activities can make learning fun and help them develop a lifelong pastime to exercise their skills. Engaging students in chess is a wonderful opportunity to promote education, and I hope as school begins in a few weeks, more students will join the Chess Federation and learn to love this historical game. S. Res.…”