It was a battle between cops and kids, where in the end, everyone came out a winner.
The third annual Cops and Kids event took place at Van Asselt Elementary School on Tuesday.
Students from several schools took part and competed against Seattle police officers who volunteered their time for this event.
This competition is a brainchild of Detective Denise “Cookie” Bouldin who started the Urban Youth Chess Club in the Rainier Valley 13 years ago.
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Back then, she had just three kids join. Today her annual tournament attracts more than 200 students from across Western Washington.
“I teach the kids that the chess board is like their community. It’s like real life,” said Det. Bouldin. “Every move you make there will be consequences just like in the real world.”
The goal of this "cops & kids" event is also to help young people form positive relationships with law enforcement.
We watched as officer Matthew Roberson played chess with 9-year-old Yabi Ephram, a student Roberson also coached in track at a nearby rec center.
He said he wants the kids to always think about their actions, whatever they do in life.
“Thinking multiple steps ahead. That lesson translates into other parts of life,” said Roberson.
The final score of today’s competition: 30 wins for the students, nine for officers.
Cox Media Group
