During our most recent tournament, on March 15th, I shared three heartwarming stories that embody the spirit of humility and gratitude within our Puddletown Chess community.
Story#1: A Young Player’s Generosity
On his birthday last May, one of our remarkable young chess enthusiasts chose to donate $100 of his own hard-earned pocket money to Puddletown Chess—a gift straight from his heart. Without hesitation, he seized the opportunity to support a good cause, exemplifying the kindness and generosity that make Puddletown so special.
His thoughtful gesture is a personal inspiration, reminding us that the true joy of chess isn’t just about winning but also about giving back and helping our community flourish.
From all of us at Puddletown, a huge thank you to this amazing young player for his kindness and generosity. We’re fortunate to have such a compassionate and thoughtful member in our chess family. If you happen to figure out who he is, feel free to give him a big hug—unless he’s in the middle of a game; in that case, maybe just a fist bump. In case you all are still wondering, it’s Weg Shukla, and he’s playing in the open section!
Story#2: A Mother’s Determination and Her Sons’ Triumph
A year ago, a dedicated mother reached out to Puddletown Chess, seeking support for her two sons who loved chess but couldn’t afford high-quality training. Today, we celebrate their incredible journey. Through hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering support of our chess community, these two young players have not only honed their skills but have also blossomed in confidence, focus, and passion for the game.
One of them, who once struggled with concentration, now practices chess diligently at home and even mentors younger kids. His recent tournament victory, where he won all his matches, stands as a testament to his growth. His brother, who had tried various forms of therapy without success, discovered that chess was the key to his thriving. Their mother describes it as “the best therapy” for them—an outcome that transcends trophies and medals.
Just last night, the two boys joined our Level 3 training program all the way from Japan!
This story is a poignant reminder of why we do what we do at Puddletown. To these two incredible kids—your determination and love for chess inspire us all. We’re immensely proud to have you as part of our chess family, and we eagerly anticipate where your journey will lead you next!
Story#3: A Coach’s Unwavering Commitment
If you look outside in the parking lot during our tournaments, you’ll often see a yellow school bus parked there. That bus brings a passionate history and social studies teacher—who also happens to be a dedicated chess coach. Every month, he transports 15 to 30 students from Sherman County School, traveling nearly three hours each way to compete in our Puddletown chess tournaments. Three hours. Each way. That’s dedication. That’s true passion.
These students don’t just show up—they arrive brimming with energy, professionalism, and an insatiable thirst for learning. They come not merely to win but to grow, to challenge themselves, and to transcend the confines of their small rural community. This exemplifies true commitment.
Coach Kevin, we sincerely appreciate and admire all that you do for chess. And to the 30 players who accompanied Coach Kevin today—you inspire us all. Thank you for making the journey. Thank you for showing up. Please continue to bring that unstoppable spirit month after month.
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These stories serve as powerful reminders of the humility, gratitude, and unwavering dedication that define our Puddletown Chess community. We are profoundly grateful to have such inspiring individuals among us, each contributing to the rich tapestry of our shared journey.
