This year I participated in the World Junior Chess Championship for the Disabled. This was the longest tournament I’ve played in yet, lasting an entire week. But it was also a great opportunity to learn because each day there were sessions to train with Grand Masters and other leaders in the chess field.
At this championship, kids are given a space to feel accepted and play a game they love.
CNN
It just so happens that some of the folks at CNN heard about the tournament and wanted to find out more and make a video to share the tournament with the world! The tournament organizer suggested they talk to me. I love getting the chance to talk about something I love as much as chess! I’ve been playing for a few years now, and I love when I get to really surprise people with my ability to play.
We talked for a long time and they made sure to capture some footage of me in action during some games. No pressure having the cameras watching your every move LIVE in a game!
Check out the awesome video they created! Spoiler alert: When I’m talking about learning even when you lose, I actually won that game. I try to stay calm until I’m out in the hallway and can celebrate privately with my family. Because I always want to be kind and not celebrate my opponents loss. In chess, you can either win a game or learn from it. No game is wasted.
For 11-year-old Anna Miller, competing at chess allows her to prove that her disability is no limitation. She says, “I let my mind and what I can do define who I am.”
CNN