Orrin C. Hudson, an international chess champion and motivational speaker, recently traveled more than 10,000 miles to the capital city of Manila in the Philippines to do what he does best — teach children (and adults) how to “make the right moves” in the game of chess and in life.
Hudson, who has been featured on CNN, “Good Morning America,” and People Magazine, has an award-winning leadership chess program for children and parents. His non-profit organization, Be Someone Inc., based in Atlanta, has the goal of helping 1 million young people worldwide. To accomplish this, he travels the globe teaching children to value KASH — Knowledge, Attitude, Skills and Habits.
Children in the Philippines are often at risk to make bad decisions in life because of the country’s economic climate. As a third-world country, nearly 1 in 4 Filipinos live on less than $1 (or about 40 pesos) a day. In Manila, the country’s capital, crime is high and so is prostitution and drug usage.
As a former Alabama state trooper, who was at one time himself an at-risk inner-city teen, Hudson was inspired to travel there to lend a helping hand. His sessions with the children taught them that for every move there is a consequence in the game of chess. As well as in life.
“One bad move without proper thought can be a game-changer.”
In addition to the free chess lessons and motivational speeches, he donated free copies of his book “One Move at a Time,” audio CDs, chess boards, T-shirts and more.
In addition to teaching children in the Philippines, Hudson also spent time talking to and teaching the game of chess to adults, as well. In the United States and around the world, he is often tapped by businesses, organizations, and churches to energize their employees and leaders.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are,” says Hudson. “All of us can benefit from making better and smarter decisions at school, at home, and at work.”
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