Ugandan chess players leave powerful message

St. John High School chess club members have lunch and play a few rounds with visiting chess champs Phiona Mutesi and Benjamin Mukumbya. Left to right: Guin Richmond, Gabby Root, Jonathon Logan, Mutesi, Jacob Quenzer, Brianna Scott, advisor Roger Beck, Mukumbya and Ethan Steele.

People came from Sandpoint, Idaho, and Spokane to hear Phiona Mutesi and Benjamin Mukumbya speak at Endicott and St. John Friday. Natives of Uganda, the pair changed their lives after being introduced to chess, going from the slums of Africa to full-ride scholarships in western Washington.

“I felt it was a real powerfu...