On September 12 the FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov arrived on a working visit to Kemerovo at the invitation of the Governor of Kemerovo Oblast Mr. Aman Tuleyev to participate in the ceremonial activities devoted to Chess Day. According to Tuleyev this holiday is held in the framework of festive activities commemorated to the 70th anniversary of the oblast and as recognition of chess popularity among the people of oblast.
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov in his speech noted that organizing of such holiday and the attention paid by the government of the Kemerovo Oblast to chess development is a good example for other regions. Mr. Tuleyev intends to work out a special regional programme on chess development in Kemerovo as he is assured of a great benefit that chess gives to the younger generation.
The same day Mr. Ilyumzhinov was awarded with the highest order of Kemerovo Oblast – “The Key to Friendship” order – for peculiar talent of a leader, highest professionalism, and inestimable contribution to chess development in the world as well as for the great social work and collaboration with Kemerovo Oblast.
Great award!