From Chessboards to Craft Tables: Stories That Inspire
- intouch Magazine
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
The Placed to Speak podcast is giving young people with disability the microphone to share their passions, ideas, and creativity, and the results are as inspiring as they are heartwarming. In Episode 2, listeners meet Eli, Riley, and Clare, three talented young people from the Place Based Abilities Program, as they chat about two of their favourite things: chess and craft.
For Eli, chess has been a love since primary school. “I really like chess, it’s one of my number one things,” he shared proudly.
From his very first tournament in Year 3, playing against older students, to celebrating his school team’s second-place finish, Eli’s enthusiasm shines through. He describes the game as exciting because “you never know what your opponent is going to do.”
Riley’s passion for chess began at school tournaments, and he now sees himself as a growing strategist.
“It’s like a good puzzle game,” Riley explained.
“I always like finding methods to knock out the player and win the game.”
His persistence and joy for learning new strategies are a reminder of how games can build focus, resilience, and confidence. Clare brings her own creativity to the table with her love of craft. From colourful therian masks to pastel-inspired room décor, her projects reflect her personality and sense of comfort.
“If I had a fight with someone, I could just relax and make something from my current interests,” Clare said. For her, craft is a way to find calm, express style, and build something unique. Through their stories, what stands out most is connection: the laughter between friends, the pride in sharing achievements, and the joy of being heard.
The Placed to Speak podcast is a celebration of ability, creativity, and the voices of young people who are shaping our community with every move, every project, and every word. It’s the most wholesome listening you’ll find; full of warmth, creativity and stories that will bring you joy. This program, delivered by The Place in collaboration with ReadyUp Skills, highlights the talents of young people and builds confidence through storytelling.
Listen to Placed to Speak now on Spotify at https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/eAim2Az6XKWb. You can find out more about the Place Based Abilities Program by visiting www.theplacecharlestown.org.au or contacting The Place on 02 4032 5500.
