New York, NY, Jan. 21, 2008 -- For the fourth-consecutive year, The Kasparov Chess Foundation is hosting and sponsoring the 2008 Greater New York Scholastic Team and Individual Chess Championships. America's longest-running, rated scholastic chess tournament will take place on Jan. 26 - 27, 2008 at Manhattan's New Yorker Hotel.

The competition is divided into four separate, 5-round Swiss-style one-day tournaments, two on Sat., Jan. 26 and two on Sun., Jan. 27. Ideal for the beginner as well as top-rated competitive players, each tournament has 3 sections from which to choose, and all rated by the United States Chess Federation (USCF).

Each game is 30 minutes per player and each section of each tournament awards prizes for the top-scoring players and schools. Any number of players may participate from a school to help compete for team prizes (2 or more from a school qualify as a team). Players without school teams can compete for individual prizes. Individual and team winners in each section will also win up to 7 months of free entries into all the Chess Center of New York's tournaments (except quads) and the top 2 teams will receive up to 8 additional weeks. Second and third place winners will also receive free entry for a limited period of time.

Those interested in participating can register online at www.chesscenter.cc or via phone at (845) 569-9969 (questions, entries), or (406) 896-2191 (24 hrs: entries only, no questions). The advance entry deadline is January 21st. After January 21st, students will have to register at the hotel, from 8:00 PM until 11:00 PM Friday January 25th or, from 8:30 AM until 9:15 AM on the day of the tournament. Those registering on-site after 9:15 AM will skip the first game. Players are requested to bring chess sets, clocks and boards, as none will be provided by event organizers.

About Kasparov Chess Foundation
Founded by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, KCF's mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children throughout the United States by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle and high schools, both in the public and private school sectors. The not-for-profit educational organization also organizes tournaments and competitions on a local and national basis. For more information, please visit http://www.kasparovchessfoundation.org.