This week’s guest is Russ Makofsky. Russ is the founder of both The Gift of Chess, and of Impact Coaching Network. The Gift of Chess is a global non-profit dedicated to changing lives by distributing free chess sets in overlooked communities. Impact Coaching Network is a New York City-based educational chess organization that facilitates school programs and runs tournaments. In our interview, Russ recounts his journey from a sport-obsessed kid to a chess educator and shares the stories of many people whose lives have been changed by chess, including FM Tani Adewumi, and Tunde Onakoya of Chess in Slums. Russ is a firm believer in the power that good stories can have in spreading a passion for chess, and of the impact that chess can have on lives, once that passion is ignited. Tune in to hear many of these inspiring stories!
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2:00- How did Russ’s chess organization, Impact Coaching Network, begin?
7:00- As an educator does Russ encounter any resistance from parents to the emphasis on the competitive element of chess?
Mentioned: Brooklyn Castle
15:30- Famed youth champion, FM Tani Adewumi discovered chess via one of the Impact Coaching Network’s Schools while his family was living in a homeless shelter- Russ tells this story from his perspective.
Mentioned: Chesskid.com
28:00- What are the origins of the non-profit, The Gift of Chess?
Mentioned: Episode 219 with Tunde Onakoya
57:00- What does The Gift of Chess do for prison outreach?
Mentioned: Episode 289 with Tony Ballard
1:03:00- How is the fundraising going?
1:08:00- Russ’s advice for chess educators and those thinking of starting chess programs
Thanks to Russ for sharing so many inspiring stories! Here is the linktree for the GiftofChess:
https://linktr.ee/thegiftofchess
You can email them at info at giftofchess.org