The Chess Institute of Canada (Institut d’échecs du Canada) was a proud participant in la journée des Franco-Ontariens 2024 a celebration of Franco-Ontarian culture at Étienne-Brûlé Secondary School in Toronto this past week.
As students settle into back-to-class activities at the school, part of the GTA’s Viamonde French-language school board, French-speaking CIC instructors were on the scene to celebrate with our giant chess board and infectious enthusiasm for le jeu d’échecs.
CIC instructors Sue Foster and Heidi Gay, who teach at some of the French-language schools CIC serves across the city, were on hand to introduce chess to some students, and encourage more experienced players to try their hand at over-the-board play or challenge each other using CIC’s giant chess set.
As the only registered charity that teaches in French-language schools in the GTA, CIC was a proud participant in the celebration of French culture in Ontario.
“Chess transcends language,” says Heidi Gay, who coordinates French outreach and school programs for CIC. “Whether at a cultural street fair, or celebrating our partnerships with many of Toronto’s French schools, we’re always happy to step up and venture out to expose new people the joys of the world’s most popular game.”
Those interested in having CIC as part of a cultural event or celebration in the Toronto area, free of charge, are encouraged to reach out via CIC’s contact page.
