Governor Pataki And Family Participate In Putnam Drug Council Chess Tournament Honoring Louis Pataki, Sr.

Mrs. Margaret Pataki and Louis Pataki, Jr. award the Louis Pataki, Sr. Memorial Trophy to tournament winner Rafael Calderon (16).

On June 3rd, Governor George Pataki, his brother Louis Pataki and their mother, Mrs. Margaret Pataki participated in a chess tournament sponsored by the Putnam Chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies, the Rotary Club of Peekskill and Chase Bank, which honored the Governor’s father, Louis Pataki, Sr. Prizes for successful chess tournament play included the first Louis Pataki, Sr. Memorial Trophy for the winner of the Scholastic/Youth Division of the tournament. The tournament, which was sanctioned by the U.S. Chess Federation, attracted nearly 100 adults and youngsters to the Cortlandt Hook & Ladder Co #1 Firehouse in Peekskill, where the Governor’s father was a commander and a chess player.

Governor Pataki and his brother Louis thrilled the crowd of children and parents by playing an impromptu game of chess between official tournament rounds. As her sons huddled over the chessboard, Mrs. Pataki remarked that they hadn’t played chess together since their boyhood. She also fondly recalled her husband playing chess in tournaments throughout New York State.

The governor’s mother and his brother delighted the tournament winners by presenting all prizes and trophies. They also distributed chess books and blue ribbons to every tournament participant in the Scholastic/Youth Division. The children lined up to have Mrs. Pataki autograph their new books.

In a conversation with the Governor, Council executive director, Nathan Liebowitz, explained the importance of the Council crusade against substance abuse, and, in particular, his successful use of chess instruction as a tool to prevent substance abuse. Dr. Liebowitz has received national recognition for the chess program, ChessChild, he developed for the Council in Putnam County and for his program for academic underachievers who are at high risk for substance abuse.

For more information about the tournament, the Putnam Chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependencies and ChessChild, contact Nathan Liebowitz at 845-225-4646.