EBRD hosts CSC schools’ event

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has a well-established interest in chess, hosting CSC’s Solidarity Match between UK and Ukraine in 2023 as well as regular events for employees, their children and friends. On Friday 13th June, they generously hosted nine schools from Tower Hamlets for a day of chess activities organised by CSC.

Each school sent in a team of six pupils who received lessons from a CSC tutor. They then learned about the work of the EBRD and the many different employment opportunities available at the bank, before taking on FM Miguel Senlle Caride, the bank’s strongest chess player, in a simultaneous display. Miguel was very impressed with the standard of his opposition, and awarded medals to the children who played the games.

After lunch, it was time to put the children’s chess skills to the test with a 4-round tournament. The chess was excellent but even more impressive was the concentration levels on display and the sporting manner in which the games were played - the children were competitive but supportive of their peers. At the end of the event, we handed out medals to the highest scorers and a trophy to the winning team - Thomas Buxton Primary School.

The tournament was the final event in the 2025 Stepney Primary Schools Chess League. Thomas Buxton completed an amazing season by becoming the first school to retain the trophy. Our congratulations to them and to all the schools that took part in a very enjoyable day: John Scurr,, Cayley, English Martyrs, Stepney Park, Mayflower, Chisenhale, St Peter’s London Docks, and Bangabandhu.

A huge thank you goes to the EBRD for their continued support and especially to Miguel and Simone for all their help organising the event in advance and hosting the schools on the day.