On September 27, 2008 Prevention First, A not-for-profit agency will host ChessFest 2008 and will try to break the 2006 Guinness World Record set in Mexico City for most simultaneous chess games! This means playing 13,500 chess games in Asbury Park. Chess masters and experts will take a few seconds on each move quickly passing down the rows to achieve this new record.





For the past eight years, Prevention First has hosted this event with children from around the region. For youths it helps them outwit, outthink and out maneuver those who do not act in their best interest… we expect 60% of the participants to be children. A child taking part in a chess program develops logic, reasoning, and problem solving abilities, memory, concentration and visualization skills, critical thinking, patience and determination. The primary anticipated outcome is to gain the interest of over 7,000 children. In addition, these young people can forever say they were part of a world record event, which will be a source of lifelong pride.





Last year, International Grandmaster Maurice Ashley came to play and talk about the benefits of chess for children. This year is expected to be a star-studded event bringing in the world’s finest and most famous chess experts. Leading up to the event will be a week of different festivities revolving around the game of chess including a movie, “Chess” the play and other exciting happenings! Help us break the world record!





Prevention First is a not for profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundations of children and families by empowering them to successful handle difficult, everyday situations and extraordinary challenges such as violence and substance abuse.Chess is one of the important programs that Prevention First supports to help with this mission.