TOLEDO, Ohio — Kids and cops squared off in a friendly game of chess for nearly two hours Wednesday at the Jones Leadership Academy of Business in Toledo.
The tournament, in its second year, wasn't just to have fun and crown some winners, though. The event was hosted by the Toledo Public Schools Department of Public Safety and the Lucas County Sheriff's Department to help youth bond with law enforcement and learn more about what they do.
Chess holds a special place in the heart of Rohan Padhye, who has played the game for about 10 years. Through playing with the cops, he said he has learned a lot and taken away life lessons he'll never forget.
"It's been great. I've been able to travel a lot and just meet a lot of new people," Rohan said. "It's definitely shaped a lot of who I am. I think we meet a lot of role models playing chess who can help you in all areas."
Ralph Green, a retired sheriff's deputy with the Lucas County Sheriff's Reserves, said the event is a big deal for the competitors on each side of the board.
"To be able to sit down and bond with (the kids), it's huge not just for the sheriff's office, the Toledo Police Department and Toledo Public Schools, it's huge for us and these young men and young women that participated in this,” Green said.
Law enforcement has the opportunity to build a relationship or tight-knit bond with the community and try to change any negative perceptions of police that people may have.
"We can really enlighten these young men by showing them that we are human beings too,” Green said.
The Woodberry Park Chess Club is part of the Jones Leadership Academy. For those interested in getting involved, click here.