March 5: Chess tournament
Second annual David Owocki Memorial Chess Tournament set at Perkins Student Center
8:29 a.m., March 1, 2016--The second annual David Owocki Memorial Suicide Prevention Quick Chess Tournament and Bughouse will be held on Saturday, March 5, in the Rodney Room of the University of Delaware's Perkins Student Center.
The event is sponsored by the Blue Hen Chess Club, a registered student organization at UD, the Delaware Chess Association and the Delaware Youth Chess Organization.
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June 5: Blue Hen 5K
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Mr. Owocki was a UD senior majoring in computer science when he took his own life on Dec. 30, 2014. Along with being the top-ranked member of the Blue Hen Chess Club, he had also been the champion at the Newark Chess Club of Delaware for two years.
The March 5 tournament is designed to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention and to celebrate Mr. Owocki's passion for chess. Representatives from the Mental Health Association of Delaware will be on hand during the day, and donations will be accepted.
His father, Stanley Owocki, professor of physics and astronomy at the University, said, "David was witty, bright and loved puzzles and games like chess. But struggles with depression and anxiety severely hindered his function and studies, and ultimately led him to take his own life. There is nothing noble or heroic about suicide, but hiding it in shame does nothing to stop it. So even while celebrating David’s life and his love of chess, we honor him best by doing all we can to prevent as many others as possible from suffering his tragic fate. We miss you and love you David!"
The tournament will feature five rounds of quick chess in four sections. Entry fee is $20, and United States Chess Federation membership is required.
Registration is available online and at the door from 8:30-9 a.m. on the day of the event.
For more information, contact Michelle Pergeorelis at 302-438-4467 or email her at Nicecingu@comcast.net.
Support and assistance
UD students in need of support and assistance are encouraged to contact the Center for Counseling and Student Development at 302-831-2141. In addition, the staff in the Office of the Dean of Students is available to meet with any student who wishes to talk. Call 302-831-8939 to schedule an appointment or stop by 101 Hullihen Hall.