Alexander Writes Big Check, Mate

Just got this news release courtesy of our Feedback Link. And while we're on the topic of our former MVP, here's an interesting article that everyone who thinks he had a "soft running style" should read.

Anyhow, on to the shameless plug.

The Shaun Alexander Foundation Donates $25,000 to Help Teach Chess to Kentucky ’s Second- and Third-Grade Students

Research shows that chess can help improve math and reading scores.

SEATTLE – Former MVP of the National Football League, Shaun Alexander, today announced that his foundation is donating $25,000 to America’s Foundation for Chess (AF4C) to help bring chess to classrooms in and around his home state of Kentucky.

America’s Foundation for Chess trains teachers to incorporate one hour of chess into their curriculum every week through its “First Move” program. The program’s goal is to provide schools across the country with curriculum and tools to use chess as a learning tool in second- and third-grade classrooms. Studies have shown that the game helps children develop analytical skills.

“Chess is a terrific game to help children become better thinkers,” says Shaun Alexander. “That’s why we are teaming up with America ’s Foundation for Chess to help bring the game into Kentucky ’s second and third-grade classrooms.”

“We are very grateful for all the support we receive from Shaun Alexander,” says Rourke O'Brien, president of AF4C. “His generous contributions are helping our program reach more teachers and students across the country.”

Many studies have shown that chess helps advance children’s critical thinking skills and test scores. A study on the New York City School Chess Program found that students who learn chess show dramatic improvement in their ability to think rationally. Students who participated in school chess clubs at four Houston-area schools improved their math and reading scores at twice the rate of other students.

Previous donations from the Shaun Alexander Foundation helped bring the First Move program to schools in the Seattle area. Alexander also sponsors a school principal from Philadelphia who serves as an educational representative on AF4C’s board of directors. It is Alexander’s goal to help make chess part of the curriculum taught to every second and third grade student in America.

About the Shaun Alexander Foundation: The mission of The Shaun Alexander Foundation is to empower youth through education, athletics, character programs and leadership training, and to inspire them to reach their full potential as mentors and role models for generations to follow. For more information, visit www.shaunalexander. org.