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Christopher M. Blozen Chess Tournament Checkmates Its Fifth Year

Annual chess competition commemorates the life of local boy, Christopher M. Blozen

As opposed to its usual hustle and bustle, the atmosphere in the on Friday morning was one of quiet, serene contemplation. Dozens of area children considered their next moves silently, patiently. Such were the participants of the fifth annual Christopher M. Blozen Chess Tournament, named for a young chess prodigy who passed away of a brain tumor five years ago.

The tournament is run each year by Christopher’s parents, Frank and Barbara Blozen, who are all too happy to have the event commemorate their son’s life.

“It makes me so proud to see kids doing this (participating in the tournament). This means a lot to me,” Mr. Blozen said on Friday. “Christopher would be 15 years old this coming Sunday. This is a good way for kids to use their minds, and also to keep Christopher’s memory alive.”

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Mr. Blozen recalled his son as a “studious young boy who loved chess”, and hoped that the tournament in his memory would go on to be held each year.

“We’ve received such wonderful support from the community, the schools and local businesses. I’d like to see it continue,” he said.

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Mrs. Blozen explained that the children participating were classed into a division for third and fourth-graders, as well as one for fifth and sixth-graders, from four different school districts: Berkeley Township, Ocean Township (Waretown), Lacey Township and Stafford Township.

“Among all four school districts, there are 54 children participating this year,” said Mrs. Blozen.

Christopher’s mother explained that after he passed away, she and Mr. Blozen approached the chess tournament organizers and asked if it could continue to be held each year in their son’s memory. Those organizers readily agreed.

“The idea of the tournament came from teachers in the Gifted & Talented program, which Christopher belonged to,” said Mrs. Blozen. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to remember our son, and it’s a privilege,” she added, of hosting the annual tournament.

Mrs. Blozen also thanked several community members for their efforts in helping to carry off the day.

“The Forked River House donated the pizza being served at lunch today, and the Lanoka Harbor Fire Company donated the use of their hall to us at no charge,” she said.

Mrs. Blozen described that the tournament originally began in local schools, but became so popular that it needed to be held in a larger venue, and the fire company was glad to help out.

Christopher’s mother also thanked the Lacey Township School District for their support of the tournament, mentioning that Superintendent Dr. Sandra Brower had stopped by earlier that day to witness the event.

Also representing local schools was another of the central organizing figures of the tournament, Darlene Price, a teacher at and its Chess Club’s faculty advisor. In fact, Price was once also Christopher’s teacher.

“I’ve been helping the Blozen family for the past five years. Christopher was a student of mine when he was ill,” Price remembered.

As for Price’s thoughts on helping to run the event? “This is awesome, I love it,” she said. “There aren’t words to describe it. I love that it brings everyone together for a good cause, and honors Christopher’s memory.”

In addition to every participant receiving a medal, entrants in the tournament were vying for first, second and third-place trophies, as well as the “Stanley Cup” trophy — which the first-place winners from each school district would receive to keep in their possession for one year, until the next year’s tournament.

 

Final Results

 

Third and Fourth Grade Division:

First Place – Danny McClung (Lacey Township)

Second Place – Ryan Price (Lacey Township)

Third Place – Liam Clancy (Lacey Township) and Jared Longo (Berkeley Township)

 

Fifth and Sixth Grade Division:

First Place – Jacob Pantaleano (Ocean Township)

Second Place – Michael Neri (Lacey Township)

Third Place – Alexander McWeeney and Gabriel Zonin (Lacey Township)

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