I’m Bob Grant aka Coach Bob. A few years after accepting the job of Social Worker in Poudre School District in 1972, I began setting up chess programs in the various schools to which I was assigned. These programs were both during school hours and after school. I continued doing these programs for the next 30 years, both in Fort Collins and Loveland, to sometimes up to 100 students per semester in a total of four schools on an annual basis. During the early years of my bringing chess programs in Poudre School District, there were a handful of interested teachers who also promoted chess in their school.
However, it wasn’t until the 80s that tournaments were set up as chess was beginning to become more and more popular. As I continue to do at the present time, I assisted in these tournaments. During the early years of chess tournaments, the School District itself sponsors all the tournaments. In the past 10 years, the District suspended their responsibility to the Program, and, eventually turned the entire chess program over to Zach Bekkedahl. Until 2 years ago, I had coached in four elementary schools from 2000 to 2016. I am still one of the several tournament directors in the 6 annual tournaments. I am also an instructor for the annual week-long Summer Camp Chess Program, and, I substitute teach for any instructor who is unable to conduct his/her class on a particular day.
I started playing chess at around the age of 8 or 9. At that time, I had a friend who introduced me to the game, and, I have been interested in chess ever since. During my school years, there were no chess clubs in the schools I attended, so, I bought a chess book to learn more about the game.
My favorite piece would have to be the Bishop. I especially like to fianchetto
I completely enjoy teaching chess as I have encountered a vast majority of my younger students who come into a Club or Chess Camp having had little or no experience. My main approach is teaching these kids all the basics of chess in such a way where my classes are filled with a fun-while-learning approach. My goal is to instill in them a firm desire to continue growing in their knowledge of chess form many more years to come, as they become involved in their school Chess Program, and/or, get into private lessons or group lessons through Chessmates!
Besides chess, I enjoy a variety of activities including traveling and learning about other cultures. I have been to nine countries in Europe, including Spain Portugal and travelled as well to China. I have been on several cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean islands and made trips to Mexico and Canada. Closer to home, I enjoy fishing hiking and diving in the mountains. I have visited all 42 to Colorado StateParka, and more than a dozen US National Parks. I’ve also done volunteer work with elderly people with Alzheimer’s. And, I am looking forward to volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, hopefully assisting with the existing chess program, and/or, even setting up a new one! I am very happy in my retirement also doing activities with my son and 10-year-old granddaughter. In addition I enjoyed jet skiing and playing ping-pong!!!!