About David

 

I started playing chess as an 8 year old boy in an after school activity held by one of my school teachers. In 1981 I won the 6^th prize in the Dutch school championships. This is a competition between schools from all over the country. After coming 1^st at my school I was the representative for the National championship. This particular level was for 12 years and under.  In 1982 I competed again in this event and came 1^st.

I have played in many international tournaments around Europe, including Spain, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium. I have been teaching since my early twenties.

I have taught chess to children with disabilities within a community setup. These children had disabilities ranging from autism to blindness. I have taught groups of  six at a time with several trainers. Activities included drawing and colouring in of the pieces and creating their own chess pieces and board using varying tools like wood, paper and clay. Games would include moving the knight around on the board (without any of the other pieces present) and getting to the other knight as soon as possible.

I have played with SOPSWEPS’29 since its start in 1992. They currently play in the first division of the national league.

In 2005 I moved with my wife Sabrina to Adelaide, South Australia. I have been speaking to Rotary Clubs about the benefits of brain training, writing chess articles and teaching chess.

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