Chess at Lyons VA Medical Center
NJSCF volunteers recently visited the Veterans Administration campus in Lyons, New Jersey, hoping to introduce veterans to local chess opportunities — and discovered that many veterans already share a passion for the game.
NJSCF volunteers at the Lyons VA Veterans Open House — sharing chess, conversation, and information about clubs across New Jersey.
Event: Lyons VA Veterans Open House
Location: Bernards Township, New Jersey
Representing the NJSCF
The New Jersey State Chess Federation participated in a Veterans Open House hosted by the Lyons VA, an event that brought together organizations from around the state to introduce veterans to activities, services, and opportunities available to them. Tournament directors Stephen Lorimor, Dash Rupasinghe, and Vince Alize were the gracious volunteers who attended this event on behalf of NJSCF. During the event, the team met with veterans and VA staff, distributed information about chess clubs throughout New Jersey, and invited visitors to sit down and enjoy a friendly game. After the formal program concluded, the volunteers remained to play additional games with interested veterans and staff members.
Games and Conversations
Several visitors stopped by to share their experiences with chess. One veteran sat down for a casual game and recalled learning the game from her father many years ago. Although she had not played in quite some time, the chessboard quickly brought back old memories and sparked a lively conversation.
Another veteran tested his skills against the NJSCF volunteers. After defeating Vince Alize, he played two competitive games against Dash Rupasinghe, a strong Class B player. Dash provided a much tougher challenge, but the veteran earned a draw in one of the games and demonstrated a strong understanding of the game. Like many serious chess players, however, he remained focused on the opportunities he had missed and felt he could have played even better.
The volunteers also met a VA employee with a particular enthusiasm for chess. After an enjoyable game and conversation, the NJSCF donated a chess set and board to help encourage continued chess activity on campus.
An Active Chess Community
Perhaps the most encouraging discovery of the day was learning that an active informal chess culture already exists among many of the VA’s residents. Several veterans spoke about regular games on campus, and it quickly became apparent that many of the players take their chess quite seriously.
Because this was the NJSCF’s first appearance at the event, many of the veteran chess players were not aware that local chess enthusiasts would be available for games and conversation. The Federation hopes that future appearances will help spread the word and strengthen connections with the VA’s chess community. As awareness grows, future events may provide opportunities for even more veterans to meet fellow players, learn about local clubs, and enjoy friendly competition.
Looking Ahead
Chess’s combination of social interaction, friendly competition, and mental challenge make it an activity that many veterans continue to enjoy long after their military service. The NJSCF was pleased to share information about chess opportunities throughout New Jersey and to begin building what promises to be a rewarding relationship with the veteran chess community at the Lyons VA.
The Federation hopes to return to future VA events and continue building relationships with the veteran chess players already active on campus. With greater awareness of the NJSCF’s presence, future visits may attract even more players for casual games, club information, and friendly competition.
