“Joe Marable Donates Chess Sets and Books to Francis Patton Primary School Chess Club”

Local businessman Joe Marable, owner of Esso Crawl Hill, has made a generous donation to the chess club at Francis Patton Primary School, providing the club with eight chess sets and instructional books. This donation will greatly enhance the resources available to students and educators at the school.

Mr. Marable, who has been a dedicated community partner with Francis Patton since 2009, emphasized the importance of giving back to support the development of young people in Bermuda. He expressed his pride in supporting the school in fostering essential skills through the game of chess.

With this donation, every class at Francis Patton, from P3 through Year 8, now has its own chess set, adding to the 17 sets already available in the school’s dedicated chess room. The chess club, which boasts 20 active members, represents over 10% of the school’s total student body, highlighting its popularity and impact.

Principal Todd Fox expressed his gratitude for the donation, noting that chess teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills that are essential for students. Chess club adviser Don Burgess, who recently became a FIDE-certified school instructor, also expressed his appreciation for Mr. Marable’s contribution to helping young players grow.

The school looks forward to the continued growth and enthusiasm for chess among its students, and perhaps even a friendly match with Mr. Marable in the near future. This donation will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the students at Francis Patton Primary School, empowering them to think ahead, analyze situations critically, and develop as young leaders.