From 4pm until 6pm

At Atlanta Hilton Hotel

255 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta

free

Taking Action To Stop Crime and Violence Orrin Hudson to Celebrate Memorial Day ‘Birthday Bash’ Weekend by Giving Back to the Community at Atlanta Hilton Hotel

“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch and do nothing.” – Albert Einstein

ATLANTA -- Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, founder and CEO of Be Someone Inc., a non-profit organization using the game of chess to teach life lessons to young people, is hosting his Memorial Day Weekend “Birthday Bash” Thursday, May 25 - 28, 4 - 6 p.m. each day, at the Atlanta Hilton Hotel, 255 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta. His birthday is May 26.

The chess champion, motivational speaker, and youth mentor is kicking off summer with a free, fun, and entertaining evening for families. The free event gives attendees a sneak peek at what it’s like to attend one of Hudson’s hands-on, high energy chess camps which start Monday, June 5 and will continue through Friday, July 28.  The classes will be held Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is included.

“There are no spectators at our events. We get everyone involved, from the students to the parents who are available to attend.  This gets the kids engaged and creates a really fun camaraderie amongst participants,” said Hudson who has hosted children’s chess camps since 2001. “We’re looking forward to sharing this mental sport with as many kids as possible this summer and it is our hope to provide families with the basic foundation to continue playing at home,” he said. Classes will be presented both in-person at the organization’s Stone Mountain training facility and virtually.

Research suggests that chess improves kids' problem-solving skills as well as reading and math scores. “Summer vacation can sometimes mean a temporary back seat for learning. This results in a decline in academic development. Students engaged in a structured learning environment year-round are less likely to experience summer learning loss. Our chess camps offer kids an alternative to being in the streets where trouble is often waiting,” said the first African American to win the Birmingham city chess championship (twice).

He added, “Be Someone summer chess camps offer a fun and unique way to keep kids intellectually stimulated during the break while learning skills that positively impact their overall studies in general. Playing chess has been reported to raise IQ, improve memory, boost creativity, and strengthen one’s capacity for critical thinking. “The skills we teach are invaluable in a rapidly changing world. Our camps are driven by our goal to equip youth with the tools to become successful adults. In addition to chess, kids learn sportsmanship, self-esteem, respect for themselves and others, and patience. Parents who play chess with their kids reap the same benefits which translates to better job performance. That’s a win-win for everybody” he explained.

Hudson said the tuition for the entire summer chess camp program is normally $2,000 but donations allow him to stretch that helping hand to the many underprivileged, at-risk kids who can’t afford it.  “This is why donations are always appreciated and can be made at our web site.” The 8-week camp will be held Monday – Friday, June 5 – July 28.  He will use a “Stop the Violence” theme because, as he explained, “Over the past year we have lost too many kids to senseless mayhem on our streets.  That must stop.”  Complete information will be available at the upcoming “Birthday Bash” Memorial Day weekend event at the Hilton Hotel.

For more information about the May 25 – 28 event or  summer chess camps, call 770-465-6445 or visit www.besomeone.org. Hudson has literally traveled the globe presenting his program that teaches chess as a vehicle to demonstrate the principles of life as well as encourage students to find positive ways to resolve conflict. Be Someone was founded in 2001 and has trained over 88,000 youths. The organization’s goal is to eventually teach chess to one million students.