ELIZABETH BROWN
Junior Tournament Assistant

Elizabeth is a Grade 10 student at York Mills Collegiate Institute. In her free time, she enjoys indoor climbing and reading. She is fluent in English, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin, which allows her to communicate effectively, in her arbitering role, with chess players, who feel more comfortable speaking their native language.

Chess has played an important role in Elizabeth’s life since childhood. She was first introduced to the game through the Chess and Math Association (CMA) when it was located on Eglinton street. What began as a casual hobby, eventually evolved into a deeper involvement through tournament officiating. Becoming a chess arbiter opens the door to new experiences, helps her gain perspective, builds lasting friendships, and develops a deeper appreciation for the game’s strategic depth and the diverse community it brings together. The structure and responsibility of the role proved to be a natural match for her abilities and interests.

Now as a trusted Junior Tournament Assistant at TCC, Elizabeth brings her enthusiasm and curiosity to every event. She supports players as they navigate the pressures of competitive tournaments, helping create an environment where confidence and skill can thrive.

Looking ahead, Elizabeth aspires possibly to become an International Arbiter. She sees the role not just as a professional milestone, but as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the broader chess community and represent something greater than herself.

GORDON ZENG

Junior Tournament Assistant

Gordon is a grade 11 student in the IB program at St. Robert Catholic High School. He started playing chess at the age of 6, and has continued before retiring from competitive tournaments in 2022.

Now, Gordon aims to contribute back to the the chess community by being an arbiter to ensure the fairness and successful running of the Chess Community, and in tournaments hosted by Toronto Chess Centre.