NEWSLETTER 73 (April 30, 2012) ECU PRESIDENT SILVIO DANAILOV OPENED SEMINAR DEDICATED TO THE CHESS IN SCHOOL PROGRAM IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA ECU President Silvio Danailov opened seminar dedicated to the Chess in School program in Vienna, Austria. The theme of the seminar was “Translating Political Support to Funding for Projects and Improving Existing Programmes”. Mr. Danailov spoke on the topic “What Politicians think about Chess in Schools” sharing his reflections on his lobbying L-R: Veselin Topalov, Robert Zsifkovits, Vice President of the Austrian Federation, and Silvio effort at the European Parliament in Danailov Strasbourg. The other speakers was: Mr. Jan Callewaert, President of Kasparov Chess Foundation Europe, Hermann Zemlicka, President of the Chess Federation of Upper Austria, Malcolm Pein, Chess in Schools and Communities London and Stanislav Vlcek, School Chess Coordinator Western Slovakia Slovak Chess Federation. The meeting was chaired and organised by Stefan Loeffler from the charity Spielend Schlauer, whose aim is to bring chess into primary schools. Mr. Jan Callewaert – Mr. Stanislav Vlcek © Europechess.net Page 1 The seminar was held on 27th of April, 2012 and was part of the Vienna Children Chess Festival, which hosted hundred children to play chess at one of the most prestigeous locations of the Austrian capital, museum Albertina. The sporting highlight was a clock simul given by the former world chess champion Veselin Topalov against the top U18 players from Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The Seminar in Vienna was the first stop of the European tour of the ECU President Silvio Danailov for promotion of the program ‘Chess in school’. Photos by Regine Hendrich for Spielend Schlauer Official website: www.schulschach.at SILVIO DANAILOV VISITED CARDIFF, WALES TO PROMOTE THE ECU PROGRAM ‘CHESS IN SCHOOL’ On 28th of April, 2012 ECU President Silvio Danailov visited Cardiff, Wales in order to promote the ECU program ‘Chess in School’. The President Danailov gave a presentation to the WCU Management Board, members trainers and organizers. The Head Teacher from Peterson-Super-Ely Primary School, Vale of Glamorgan was thrilled to be hosting the event. The school has a tradition of encouraging their children to learn chess. During the meeting Mr. Danailov met members as senior as Hugh Price from Cardiff YMCA chess club who has supported chess in Wales since 1940. © Europechess.net Page 2 Mr. Danailov promised future support from his contacts with great players expected to arrive in Wales in the future from around the world. “Chess is a sport and much more” said the President. He told of the tremendous cultural impact chess can have in society since it offers the opportunity to bring generations together, across ethnic groups and economic differences. Chess as a sport is a great equaliser and relatively low in cost to organise. He also expressed how in Chess we do not need stadiums or golf courses, fancy footwear or expensive gear. During his European Tour the President has been inundated with positive feedback on the social benefits Chess can have on, for instance, children with learning difficulties and physical disabilities and how wonderful it is that girls and boys can learn this international language for life. Accompanying Mr. Danailov on his visit was former World Champion from 2005 Bulgarian Grand Master Veselin Topalov. At the end of three and a half hours play in a 25 person Simultaneous chess match the GM enthused about the high quality of games from a number of the local players. Amongst the group playing Topalov were two current British Girls Champions U 9 and U 15 Stephanie Du Toit (Monmouth) coached by Ion Rees (Caerphilly) and Megan Owens who has won the chess scholarship to attend the prestigious Millfield School, Somerset where she is coached by an International Master. Official website: www.europechess.net SILVIO DANAILOV VISITED EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND AS A PART FROM HIS EUROPEAN PROMOTIONAL TOUR On 29th of April, 2012 Silvio Danailov visited Edinburgh, Scotland as a part from his European promotional tour. The ECU President had a meeting dedicated to the ECU program ‘Chess in School’ with the President of the Scottish Chess Federation Michael Hanley, the Delegate Andy Howie and the Arbiter IA Alex McFarlane. © Europechess.net Page 3 Silvio Danailov was accompanied on his visit by the former World Champion’ 2005 GM Veselin Topalov. At the second oldest chess club in the world, Edinburgh Chess Club (founded 1822), he played a simultaneous chess match against 20 local players with final result 16.5 – 3.5 (14 wins, 1 lost, 5 draws) in favour of the Grand Master. IM Andrew Greet, the 2010 Scottish Champion, was the only player to win. Draws were secured by GM Jacob Aagaard, Hugh Brechin, Adam Bremner, Roberta Brunello, Robert Lawson and Boris Mitrovic. Official website: www.europechess.net © Europechess.net Page 4 ECU PRESIDENT SILVIO DANAILOV MET WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF FAROE ISLANDS KAJ LEO JOHANNESEN ECU President Silvio Danailov met with the Prime Minister of Faroe Islands Kaj Leo Johannesen. The meeting took place during the official visit of Mr. Danailov, which is part of his tour for promotion of the ECU program ‘Chess in school’. The ECU President visited Faroe Island from 30th of April to 1st of May. L-R: Mr. Kaj Leo Johannesen, Mr. Silvio Danailov Mr. Danailov and the Prime Minister had interesting and constructive discussion concerning the implementation of the program among the Faroese schools, the current development of the game of chess in Faroe Islands and the vision of the ECU to help to the so called ‘small nations’ to develop their chess. The Prime Minister Kaj Leo Johannesen promised to Mr. Danailov his full support for the program ‘Chess in school’. Mr. Kaj Leo Johannesen is big chess lover and former goalkeeper for the Faroe Islands national football team. L-R: Minister of Education Bjørn Kalsø, ECU President Silvio Danailov Silvio Danailov had a meeting also with the Minister of Education, Research and Culture, Mr. Bjørn Kalsø and with the President and the Board of the national chess federation of Faroe Islands. Official website: www.europechess.net © Europechess.net Page 5 INTERVIEW WITH MR. LEO BATTESTI CONCERNING THE ECU PROGRAM ‘CHESS IN SCHOOL’ Mr. Leo Battesti, Vice-President of the French Chess Federation and League President of the Corsican Circuit, gave a special interview for the newsletter of the European Chess Union, concerning the topic of ECU program ‘Chess in school’. Here is the full text of the interview: Mr. Leo Battesti- Source of the photo: Chessbase 1. Why is necessary, according to your opinion, the game of chess to be introduced as a part of the educational process in the European schools? What are the benefits? - The social and educational virtues of Chess are considerable and especially beneficial in this current context of global crisis. This sport teaches, in particular, the respect of the rules and the respect of each other. It also teaches to think before acting, and how to face one’s own responsibilities. It is a kind of school citizenship. 2. What does the endorsement of the ECU Chess in School program by the European Parliament means for the game of chess and the European society? - This is a fantastic achievement and I want to congratulate the ECU, its President and Garry Kasparov for this great initiative that gives more influence to national federations in order to interact with their institutions. Photo by Mr. Leo Battesti 3. How do you see the development of the program from now on? - I am very optimistic. The development can be very quick. Let’s take for instance Corsica, of which I am the League President. 15 years ago, there were 120 registered players. There are 5500 today, out of a population of 300 000 inhabitants! A world record. Simply because we worked on the ground to develop chess teaching during school time and above all, this is an indispensable condition, in synergy with the Chess clubs. We are reaping today, all the benefits of this policy that moves away from a disastrous elitist conception. © Europechess.net Page 6 We have a large number of international tournaments. And I am pleased to welcome, in the beginning of June, the ECU board in Bastia during an european tournament. The final of this tournament will be followed by 4000 spectators ! 4. Do you think that the example with the introducing of the chess among the European schools will be infectious for the other continents? - I am confident about that. The example will be followed. But many countries have already set up the same policy in other continents. The oldest sport in the world is also the most modern one ! And this choice of mass development will also contribute to change the international chess system : the rules of play (for example, the corsican-sofia rules ultimately impose themselves), the rate of play will be faster, and by greatly expanding the base of the pyramid, professional players will have more opportunities to live with dignity from their talent. www.europechess.net THE TEAM OF OBIETTIVO RISARCIMENO-PADOVA WON THE 44TH ITALIAN TEAM CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP The team of Obiettivo Risarcimeno-Padova won the 44th Italian Team Chess Championship with final result of 13 points from possible 14. Second finished Scavolini-Datagest, Pesaro with 12 points, third is Chieti with 9 points. The team championship was held from 27th of April to 1st of May, 2012 in Arvier, Italy. Chief-Arbiter was Renzo Renier. All photos by Adolivio Capece Team composition of the champions was: GMs Fabiano Caruana (ITA), Kiril Georgiev (BUL), Igor Eftimov (MNC), Hikaru Nakamura (USA), Michele Godena (ITA) and IMs Duilio Collutiis (ITA) and Fabio Bellini (ITA).