2012 Chess Olympiad in Istanbul

Istanbul To Host 2012 Chess Olympiad
Published by Ozgur Tore
Tuesday, 02 December 2008

Beside leading commerce and business world in the city, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) continues its social responsibility projects by bringing 2012 Chess Olympiad to Istanbul.

ITO, which has an important role at election of Erzurum as the host city of 2011 World Winter Olympiad – Universiade 2011, 2012 Chess Olympiad is another success for Turkey and its promotion abroad.

The committee including ITO Chairman Murat Yalçıntaş at the head of Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau worked hard to bring 2012 Chess Olympiad to Istanbul. Yalçıntaş said that they are very happy to bring the Olympiad to Istanbul. Yalçıntaş also congratulated Turkey Chess Federation President Ali Nihat Yazıcı for their successful promotion during the selection process.

Yalçıntaş said, “The Olympiads will add value to Istanbul brand and expecting to break a record in attendance by welcoming 4 thousand competitors from 200 countries”.

ICVB General Manager; Mrs. Handan Boyce worked hard at the selection process as well as in Dresden, Germany that hosted the voting for the Host City Selection of 2012 Chess Olympiad.

Istanbul competed against Budva city of Montenegro and won 95 votes against 40 to host the 40th Chess Olympiad. Istanbul was also the host city in 2000.

Sports Ministry, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey Chess Federation and main sponsor Turkey Is Bank and cooperation of ICVB, an organization committee will be formed in January 2009 for the 2012 Chess Olympiad.

Chess Olympiads are organizing every two years. Games are organized in two categories; Women and General Classification. About 3 thousand competitors from 154 countries attended this year’s event held 12-25 November 2008.

Source: http://www.ftnnews.com