"Students

who enjoy playing chess, whether they be beginners or long-time players,

are invited to come and compete," said Newnan Rotarian Bob Tumperi.

"This is a wonderful chance for students to enjoy themselves, hone

their skills at the game and develop their sense of sportsmanship."

Richard Booth

will again direct the tournament, and pairings and rankings will be determined

with the help of tournament software.

This is the

first year the tournament has been open to high school students. The tournaments

began five years ago with only the middle school chess clubs, and then

opened in recent years to fourth- and fifth-graders as well.

Northgate High

School has recently begun a chess club, and tournament sponsors expect

that competitors who first came out in middle school would like a chance

to return as high schoolers.

Smokey Road

Middle School is located at the corner of Smokey Road and Ishman Ballard

Road west of Newnan.