Chess Helps: Demaurian Davis’ Story
Chess affects different people in different ways. You may not realize the power of chess until you see someone engaged in a game, watching their eyes go back and forth, thinking about the endless combinations of moves. Some people play for sport and some people play for relaxation. Some may have been inspired to play the game for very emotional reasons. In this case, not only will you remember this person’s story because it touched your heart, but also because of the courage and integrity he has, even if he’s been thrown a curve ball in life.
Demaurian Davis is a young man who at first, comes off a bit shy, but then flashes a mesmerizing smile. Davis is quiet but easy to talk to, a not uncommon personality trait, but there is one difference about this 24-year-old—he’s in a wheel chair with limited use of his arms and legs. A few years ago, a tragic accident put Davis in this position for the rest of his life. Davis currently resides at Grand Manor Nursing Home where he is surrounded by an extremely supportive staff, including a social worker, Diedre Plair, who strives to give not only Davis every opportunity possible, but other residents around his age, almost all in similar situations.
Demaurian has been playing chess since the 6th grade. However, he has been playing routinely since his accident with an employee, Certified Nursing Assistant, Michael Howard. One day, Davis said to Diedre, “I want to see how good I am.” Immediately, Diedre knew she needed to do something to bring chess to Davis, and make his vision become a reality. After a few phone calls, Diedre came in contact with the World Chess Hall of Fame’s (WCHOF) and its outreach program, Moves That Matter. Since the mission of Moves That Matter is to bring chess to anyone in the health and human service field, this was a perfect opportunity. The WCHOF worked with The Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis (CCSCSL) to create a surprise chess tournament for Demaurian.
