LILY LIU

Junior Tournament Assistant

Lily is a grade 11 student studying in the MaCS program at William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute in North York, Canada. She was first introduced to the game of chess at the age of six in China, where she was captivated by its complexity, strategic depth, and the endless possibilities each move presented.

At the age of ten, Lily immigrated to Canada. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and environment, she remained dedicated to her passion for chess. Shortly after her arrival, she joined the CYCC chess club where she was mentored by Mark and Panos who played a pivotal role in deepening her understanding and love for the game. Over the years, Lily participated in numerous tournaments in both China and Canada, gaining valuable experience and honing her skills. During one of these events, a tournament held by Hart House at the University of Toronto, she had the opportunity to meet and connect with Alex.

Eager to contribute beyond playing, Lily began volunteering as a chess arbiter after the COVID-19 pandemic, when she entered high school. Stepping into this new role, she was struck by the immense responsibilities and workload that arbiters undertake to ensure the success of every tournament.

Becoming an arbiter allowed Lily to contribute to the fairness and integrity of the game while ensuring that tournaments ran smoothly and professionally. It also provided her with the opportunity to remain actively engaged in the chess community, develop organizational and interpersonal skills, and foster a positive and inclusive environment for players of all levels.

In the summer of 2024, Lily had the privilege of arbitrating several tournaments, including the Toronto Open, where she collaborated with a team of experienced arbiters and further refined her expertise. Her dedication and passion for the role ultimately led her to the title of National Arbiter at the age of 16, marking a significant milestone in her journey within the world of chess.