CORE proud of its giant chess set, the world’s biggest
When many people drive through Medicine Hat on the highway, they get to experience the World’s Tallest Teepee, but what they don’t get to see is the World’s Largest Chess set.
The giant chess set has been around the city for more than a decade, and was dubbed the world’s largest by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009.
The chess set was handed over from the Medicine Hat Chess Club to the CORE Association a few years back, and it is now used to promote the game of chess and CORE’s values.
“Today is a celebration of opening our chess set,” said executive director Rita Bessant during a Friday afternoon luncheon. “We’ve been running the chess set for a few years, and we like to celebrate it every year.
“A lot of people in the community know of the chess set, and a lot of people in the community like to use the chess set — so we’re always excited to open it up for the season.”
The giant chess set will be open for use starting Monday, giving Hatters a chance to play chess with giant pieces and giving CORE a platform to discuss its beliefs.
“It’s a great way to get people talking about competitive employment,” said Bessant. “Promoting competitive employment is very important to us.
“Being in the community and supporting members of that community is very important to us. We’re very visible and we’re right downtown, and the chess board is a big part of who we are.”
CORE has been serving the community for more than 60 years, working to provide employment options for people who need it.
“CORE serves persons of all ages, from children to seniors, and people with developmental disabilities,” said Bessant. “We have been in existence for 66 years and our employment team continues to serve people in our community.”
For more information on the giant chess set go to, www.mhchess.com/giant_chess_set.html