Mayors’ Chess Challenge in Miami Beach Includes Free Ice Skating

Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach will hold the ninth annual Mayors’ Chess Challenge on Sunday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Scott Rakow Youth Center, 2700 Sheridan Ave.

In addition to the Game of Kings, this year’s event will feature free ice skating for all participants and spectators. The chess tournament is open to players of all ages and skill levels and includes free chess instruction, light refreshments and complimentary parking on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Mayors’ Chess Challenge was introduced to the city by the late Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian, who became a national chess master at an early age and used leftover campaign funds to start free weekly open chess play sessions in Miami Beach.

“Mark saw chess as much more than a game,” explained Miami Beach Vice Mayor Laura Dominguez, who was Samuelian’s life partner and succeeded him on the commission. “He knew it would help our youth develop problem-solving skills, become creative thinkers while also igniting a lifelong passion for sportsmanship.”

Originating in Broward County, Miami Beach was the first city in Miami-Dade County to participate in the Mayors’ Chess Challenge and has made it an annual event.

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