| Screech Comes to Lake Charles Pam Dixon July 29, 2003 A well known actor was in town today promoting one of his favorite pastimes, the game of chess. "Saved by the Bell's" Dustin Diamond spoke to area kids as part of the City of Lake Charles Americorps Program. Twenty-six year old Dustin Diamond is best known for his role as a geeky high schooler in the television comedy "Saved by the Bell." Diamond landed that acting gig when he was only 11. It lasted ten years. Now a bit older and more mature, Diamond is traveling the country promoting chess and its educational benefits. In Lake Charles for the afternoon, Diamond spoke to children and Americorps volunteers at the Hillcrest Recreation Center and Foreman Reynaud Community Center. Diamond says, "It teaches you about yourself and it improves your concentration. It really shows that studying pays off and because of the focus and concentration and the ability to coordinate and learn and piece together and problem solve, which is what chess is all about, that's really what learning in school is all about." Diamond started playing chess at age five. "My grandfather played chess. he was very proficient. He used to be able to play ten people at the same time, blindfolded, which means he didn't see a board and he beat them all. My father then taught me at the age of five. I never beat him. I never beat him until I was twenty." Diamond not only promotes chess around the country he also hosts a four hour video that teaches chess using comedy. You can catch Dustin Diamond in a new movie with David Spade. "Dickie Roberts" opens in theatres September 5th. |
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