Miami Beach, Florida – The City of Miami Beach is gearing up for the ninth annual Mayors’ Chess Challenge, a beloved community event that celebrates the strategic game of chess. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Scott Rakow Youth Center, located at 2700 Sheridan Ave.
A Day of Chess and Ice Skating
This year’s Chess Challenge is not only about chess but also offers free ice skating for all attendees. The event is designed to welcome chess players of all ages and abilities, featuring not just competitive play but also free chess instruction to help participants brush up on their game. Attendees can also enjoy light refreshments and take advantage of complimentary parking available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Mayors’ Chess Challenge is a testament to the vision of the late Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian, who was not only a national chess master from a young age but also a passionate advocate for the game. Using leftover campaign funds, Samuelian initiated free weekly open chess play sessions in Miami Beach. His legacy continues to influence the event today.
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“Mark saw chess as much more than a game,” said Miami Beach Vice Mayor Laura Dominguez, who was not only Samuelian’s life partner but also his successor on the commission. “He knew it would help our youth develop problem-solving skills, become creative thinkers while also igniting a lifelong passion for sportsmanship.”
Originally launched in Broward County, Miami Beach was the first city in Miami-Dade County to join the Mayors’ Chess Challenge. Since then, it has become an annual highlight for the community, continuing to draw participants and spectators eager to engage in the Game of Kings while honoring Samuelian’s memory and his contributions to the local chess scene.
