From Displacement to Success: The Inspiring Journey of Mariángel Vargas in the World of Chess

Title: Colombian Girl Finds Success in Chess After Fleeing Turmoil in Homeland

Mariángel Vargas, a 12-year-old girl from Colombia, has found her place in the United States through the game of chess. Forced to migrate with her family in 2022 due to threats from armed groups in her home country, Mariángel has risen to become one of the top 100 young female chess players in the U.S.

Her journey to success began when she took her first chess class at her school in Manhattan, several months after arriving in New York. Despite initial skepticism from her mother, Mariángel quickly excelled in the game, competing in 65 tournaments within a year and ranking seventh in her division in New York State.

Mariángel’s intense dedication to chess has paid off, as she is now among the top 100 girl chess players in the U.S. and has surpassed the 1,200 ranking set by the United States Chess Federation. She attributes her success to the constant learning opportunities that chess provides.

The Vargas family’s escape from Colombia was marked by fear and uncertainty, as they were threatened by armed groups for their work with a local NGO. After a harrowing journey on foot across the border into the U.S., the family found themselves in a Texas detention center before being released.

With the help of organizations like Impact Coaching Network and The Gift of Chess, Mariángel has been able to pursue her passion for chess and compete in tournaments across the country. Her dream is to become an international master or a chess teacher, showcasing her determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

Mariángel’s story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of a game like chess in the lives of young people facing challenges.