Raza Patel, an 11-year-old chess player from New York City, has launched Moves For A Mission, a unique 501(c)(3) chess charity aimed at helping children in need. As the only charity of its kind in NYC, it hosts chess socials and provides chess education through mentoring by Raza and his friends.

Raza has been playing chess since the age of 2 and has helped his grade team win numerous first places at events such as the US Chess Federation National Tournament and the NY State Scholastic Tournament.

"I was always amazed at how quickly he picked things up," says Raza’s father, Mikal Patel. "While most kids at 2 are learning their ABC’s, Raza was studying the Italian Game and basic endgame strategies."

Raza has been self-studying chess with guidance from his current school, Speyer Legacy School, where he learns from coaches Sean O'Hanlon, Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa, and Grandmaster John Fedorowicz.

“Raza leads his team by example, working hard, winning gracefully, and accepting his losses as part of the learning process. Raza was so thoughtful about his games that he could often present his games to the class so the class was also able to learn from Raza’s play. He is a kind and supportive teammate, and a ruthless competitor,” says his teacher, Sean O’Hanlon. Raza now aims to give back by supporting charities with children in need, one move at a time.

“Every game is an opportunity to learn something new and make a difference at the same time” says Raza. Media is welcome to attend on Thursday, Aug. 21, 4 to 6 p.m. during the event at Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library supporting children in need.

Read about him, why he started this and the charities he wants to support at www.movesforamission.org

This fun event welcomes all chess enthusiasts of any capability to come play, learn, share our talents, and support the Library. Raza will be playing and mentoring.