Young players, adults compete in MCCL Challenge

MADISON – Parents, politicians and personalities are hoping not to embarrass themselves when they compete against youngsters in Madison City Chess League at the fourth annual MCCL Challenge.

Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd. will host the contest on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. Community and business leaders are challenged to a chess match with students 10 years old and younger.

“The public is invited to come watch and participate in the chess match,” MCCL Executive Director Ranae Bartlett said. “We hope you will consider donating to MCCL, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that promotes chess education in North Alabama.”

The 2018 MCCL Challenge will “have a new dimension by adding a simultaneous chess match against Fide Master Bradley Denton, the highest rated chess player in Alabama,” Bartlett said.

“Any age child can register to play FM Bradley Denton by joining Madison Friends of the Library at the family membership level of $30. This is our thank-you to the library for letting us move our Monday night meetings there,” Bartlett said. Email the child’s name, grade level, age and school of attendance to mccl.director@gmail.com.

“The first 20 children to join Madison Friends of the Library or make a comparable donation to Madison Public Library will have a spot in the event, either in the Simul match or MCCL Challenge,” Bartlett said. The MCCL website’s event page will state if space in either event is full.

For adults brave enough to accept the MCCL Challenge, if a child beats the adult opponent, MCCL will welcome any donation to the organization.

Adults who want to participate can email mccl.director@gmail.com with full name, place of employment and mailing address for an acknowledgment.

Any resident can donate online or mail a check to the chess organization at Madison City Chess League, P.O. Box 843, Madison AL 35758.