TAMA Chess Tournament Attracts Over 100 Kids

Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta (TAMA) conducted its second scholastic in 2019 and overall 10th semiannual chess tournament on Saturday October 19th at Big Creek Elementary School in Cumming, GA. TAMA has been conducting two chess tournaments open to public every year, one in March and one in October time frame, since 2015. More than 110 students ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade participated in this prestigious tournament. Tournament is sponsored by Satya Gadde from Dream Realty Group LLC and Vijitha Gutta from Curie Learning Center.

4 round Swiss system and time control of G30 + 5 sec delay was followed in all four sections of U1200, U800, U400 and Unrated. Tournament started on time, sharp at 10:00 am with check-ins, first round at 10:30 am and the following rounds at 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Kids played seriously in a fun environment. While kids played in the cafeteria, parents waited in the gym and also spent time at Curie Learning Center and Youth Technology Learning Center (YTLC) booths.

Trophies to the top 5 players in each section, plus score trophies and certificates for all the participants were presented by the sponsors, TAMA Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Everyone took pictures with their trophies along with parents. Though it rained all day, its TAMA brand that pulled more than 110 players to this tournament which is the average at all TAMA sports events. Along with free pizza and water bottles to all, tea was served to parents. Everyone was appreciative of food and the king size customized trophies.

TAMA sports secretary Rupendra Vemulapalli with the support from past chairmen Rajesh Jampala, Srinivas Lavu, current chairman Vinay Maddineni, Board Secretary Rajasekhar Chunduri, Director Kamal Satuluru, President Venky Gadde, President Elect Bharath Maddineni, Secretary Innaiah Yenumula, Treasurer Priya Balusu, Education Secretary Sairam Karumanchi, Event Secretary Suresh Bandaru, Community Services Secretary Bharath Avirneni and excellent coordination with seasoned tournament director Mr. Parnell Watkins managed to finish the tournament without a hitch.

Sponsors addressed the crowd and appreciated TAMA's efforts for enriching the kids talent. TAMA EC and Board members felicitated the sponsors and announced the upcoming Diwali event on November 9th in Norcross. Tournament ended with vote of thanks from TAMA President Venky Gadde. He thanked all the players, parents, sponsors, venue management, coordinators and volunteers for making TAMA's 10th semiannual chess tournament a grand success.