97-year-old chess player creates club at NJ retirement community

A hobby he picked up in the 1940s became 97-year-old Gene Salomon's lifetime passion.

And while he's played chess across the globe, he's now focused on growing the sport at his retirement community in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Salomon was born in Gijn, Spain, and later migrated to Cuba. But he desired to learn the American way of life and business. Upon migrating to the USA, he met his wife of 64 years.

He recalls being part of the Spanish national team as a substitute and also qualifying for the Cuban Olympic team in the 1950s, though was unable to attend.

In his 90s, Salomon became a resident at Harrogate Retirement Community and soon wanted to start a chess club.

He has since brought residents together to learn and play together.

His future goal is to bring young players and seniors together at Harrogate, with the help of the Toms River Chess Club and the Greenbriar Woodlands Chess Club.

He has also become a published author in his time at Harrogate, completing a chronicle of his family history titled, "Sweet Memories: Family, Friends, Chess, and Sugar."