WHEREAS, for more than 75 years, the Roanoke Valley Chess Club has promoted the game of chess as an engaging hobby for people of all ages and backgrounds, hosted tournaments and events, and developed numerous master-level players; and
WHEREAS, established in 1947, the Roanoke Valley Chess Club is the oldest continuously operating chess club in the Commonwealth; as a nonprofit organization, it is staffed entirely by passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply dedicated volunteers; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley Chess Club welcomes people of all skill levels and strives to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere, where new members can learn about the recreational, educational, and mental benefits of playing chess; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley Chess Club is both welcoming to new and casual players and facilitates high levels of play for more experienced members; the club has produced multiple experts and six different national masters of the game; and
WHEREAS, in addition to regular meetings at Raleigh Court Branch Library on Wednesday evenings, the Roanoke Valley Chess Club organizes amateur tournaments and events rated by the United States Chess Federation; and
WHEREAS, notably, the Roanoke Valley Chess Club hosts two tournaments to honor former members, the Walter Muir Memorial Grand Prix Chess Tournament and the Tracy Callis Jr. Memorial Grand Prix Chess Tournament; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley Chess Club is highly engaged in the community and holds annual outreach events at the Festival in the Park, Grandin Court Block Party, and other gatherings; the club also supports the St. Baldrick's Foundation to raise money for childhood cancer research; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Roanoke Valley Chess Club on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Roanoke Valley Chess Club as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the club's contributions to the Roanoke community.