Is chess a game or a sport?

According to Blacktown Council it's a sport and Rooty Hill RSL Chess Club have been invited to participate in the Blacktown Centenary Sports Festival this year.

On Saturday, club championand four-time Chess Olympian, Tony Bouchaaya of Doonside, will take on all comers in a simultaneous chess exhibition at Westpoint from 11 am.

Bouchaaya, who has played against the likes of former Soviet champion Vitaly Tseshkovsky, will play 30 opponents simultaneously.

Anyone who would like to play him can register at any time this week at Westpoint's information desk.

On Sunday March 12, the club and Blacktown Council will stage a junior tournament at Bowman Hall, Blacktown Council Chambers, Campbell Street, Blacktown.

The tournament is open to all school-aged children.

Apart from trophies for the top three placegetters there are Centenary medallions for the first three in each age group.

The entry fee is $10 and entries close on Wednesday, March 8.

For details phone David Evans on 4739 2785 or email davidevans@rootyhillchess.org.