Importance of chess to Gibraltar, says Deputy Chief Minister
Dr Joseph Garcia, Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of one of the main sponsors, Gibtelecom, is delighted to have personally witnessed the growth over the years in both “strength and numbers” of the Gibraltar International Chess Festival.
As he visited the 2014 Tradewise Chess Festival yesterday morning he affirmed his support and that of the Gibraltar Government to the tournament which has now become the most important open in the world.
“For Gibraltar this is an important event, an international event, which as a Government we will continue to support,” he told commentator, USA Grand Master, Irina Krush, as she interviewed him as part of the morning broadcast of the Amateurs and Challengers tournaments.
“I have been visiting every year for the past 10 years and it really has been fantastic to have seen the growth of this event and the growth of chess in the Gibraltar community as a whole. My son for example now plays chess as a result of this tournament and there are many other children like him,” he said. Dr Garcia spoke of the success of chess in Gibraltar schools. 10 out of the 12 schools have chess clubs, with more than 500 children actively involved.
“It is not just important to have a tournament where international players can come and play but also to develop chess in the community itself,” he emphasised. During his visit he viewed the players in action in the Amateur and Challengers tournaments. He stopped to see local chess player Freddie Poggio make several moves in the Amateur tournament. Freddie has been playing in the tournament for around six years and in week one won the prize for the best local player.
Dr Garcia was shown round by tournament director Stuart Conquest and arbiter David Sedgwick. Also there to greet him were organiser Brian Callaghan and Tradewise Insurance chairman James Humphreys.
Source: http://www.panorama.gi
Big money for Gib.