July 14, 2014 10:46
CAMPAIGN UPDATE | August 5th, 2014
Such headlines appearing in a business paper is a good symbol of my entire campaign! “Magnus Carlsen is cheering for Garry Kasparov”!
Top Norwegian business newspaper, DN, with an interview with Norwegian world champion Magnus Carlsen on the FIDE election. Headline: “Get rid of unpopular leader to bring more money.” Some quotes:
“Carlsen wants to get rid of current chess president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov to bring more sponsors to the sport.”
‘That is the main reason why I’m on Kasparov’s side,’ Carlsen says to DN”[Norwegian Business Daily]
AUGUST 4TH, 2014
Team press conference on August 4th, 2014.
Few more questions from the local press.
“I am fighting for the future of chess, for the integrity of the game I love. Only when it’s clean it can grow” – Garry Kasparov
AUGUST 3rd, 2014
Only in Tromso you can meet Garry on the street casually talking about chess to other players.
White to E4. Your move, Kirsan.
Kasparov booth. Hard at work.
A bit lonely there, Kirsan. Nobody wants to play you?
July 14, 2014
Real Numbers: Kasparov Leads in Asia
After our recent visits to Mr. Ilyumzhinov’s websites to expose their lies, it is pleasant to return to real information and real numbers. Last week we demonstrated proof of Team Kasparov’s lead in Africa. Today it is Asia’s turn to step forward into the bright new future and destroy the myths about Kirsan Ilyumzhinov’s support.
KASPAROV 15: Afghanistan, Australia, Bhutan, Fiji, Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Singapore
ILYUMZHINOV 8: Cambodia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Nepal, Qatar, Uzbekistan
[ 25 Asian countries have not made their intentions public ]
FULL REPORT
Since the beginning of this campaign, Team Kasparov has promoted a bright new future for FIDE based on sponsorship, education, and professionalism. We have a mission, we have funding, we have policy, and we have the right people to do the job. The Ilyumzhinov campaign message has also been very clear: “we are winning.” Along with personal attacks on our team members, they repeat this myth over and over, claiming bigger and more fantastic margins of victory every day. They say little about the last 19 years and even less about the next four.
The last myth is over. Our opponent’s campaign said Africa would quietly stay with the status quo. They were wrong. Below we publish 14 letters of endorsement for Kasparov, plus the five nominating nations that have all made clear their support. The current real numbers are 18 for Kasparov (plus Tanzania, which does not yet vote at this Congress), 14 for Ilyumzhinov, and five still undecided. Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana nominated Ilyumzhinov but will all hold decisive votes in the coming days. We wish them courage!
FULL STORY
June 26th, 2014
Left to right: Jan Callewaert, Francesc Rechi, Silvio Danilov, Josep Rivero, Oscar De la Riva, Joan Antoni Obregon
Jan Callewaert and Silvio Danilov Visit Andorra
On Wednesday, 18 June 2014, Jan Callewaert FIDE candidate of Garry Kasparov’s ticket and Silvio Danilov, presidential candidate for the ECU, went on a joint campaign visit to Andorra.
President of the Federation Francesc Rechi warmly welcomed the two visitors with his delegation consisting of Joan Antoni Obregon (Delegate), Josep Rivero (Secretary and Treasurer) and Oscar De la Riva (Technical Director).FULL STORY
June 18th, 2014
Open Letter from Continental Candidates
To the chess community:
As Continental leadership candidates for Africa, Asia, and Europe who desire positive change in FIDE after so long, we feel obliged to speak out about abuses of power and conflicts of interest by the current FIDE administration. 19 years in control of FIDE by one group has led to them treating FIDE as their personal property.
First is the scandalous secret contract between the company Agon and Mr. Ilyumzhinov. The agreement gave the FIDE president 51% of the voting shares and control of the new company. Other FIDE executives and employees – Berik Balgabaev, Georgios Makropoulos – also receive shares and cash payments as part of the deal as “consultants to Agon.” This secret contract was signed by the FIDE president when at the same time FIDE had a public agreement with Agon for the rights to FIDE events, including the World Championship.
To be clear: with the powers of his office, the FIDE president sold rights worth millions of dollars to himself and a partner, while promising generous payments to his executive team.
The complaint to the FIDE Ethics Commission regarding the Agon scandal submitted by Githinji Hinga of Kenya and Prospero Pichay of Philippines is attached herewith.
FIDE authority and resources have also been abused during Mr. Ilyumzhinov’s reelection campaign. We publish here a letter he personally wrote to a high government official in Vietnam in an attempt to interfere with the ongoing election. The letter, here attached, protests the choice of the Vietnamese delegate and does so on FIDE letterhead, and he writes as the president of FIDE, an evident abuse of his office.
After 19 years, this FIDE management group has forgotten that they represent the organization, not the other way around. It is time to end this type of abuse and to bring change to FIDE with new people who will respect the federations and their independence. We do not have to rely on the Ethics Commission to do this. Colleagues, we federation leaders have that power with our vote and on August 11 in Tromsø we must use it.
Lekan Adeyemi
President, Nigeria Chess Federation and Candidate for African Continental Presidency
Silvio Danailov
President, Bulgarian Chess Federation and President, European Chess Union, standing for reelection
Prospero Pichay
President, National Chess Federation of the Philippines and Candidate for Asian Continental Presidency
June 12th, 2014
Matters of Reputation
During my campaign, my team and I have always focused on our ambitious plans to reform and transform FIDE. There’s no need for us to “go negative” when we have a much better team, a great platform and concrete plans for change, and real funding. I would be happy for the candidates to present their plans for the future of FIDE and chess and to let the federations decide on the merits of each plan. In fact, in Istanbul addressing the 2012 FIDE General Assembly I said the same, that the next election should be about who will do better in the future instead of arguing about the past.
As a reminder, our core initiatives:
Develop chess-in-education programs worldwide. It brings tremendous benefits to kids and schools and it also grows the base we need to support the sport and to attract public and private sponsorship.
Reduce and then eliminate all federation fees to FIDE. Federations keep and spend their own money. FIDE will aid and counsel the federations – not exploit them, not take from them.
Create an online network to connect all the world’s chessplayers, online and off. A FIDE membership of millions will be very attractive for commercial sponsors. All our administration will ask of the federations is to be active and provide us with more players.
Cultivate regional cooperation between federations and also create new commissions to bond federations by shared language, not merely geography. All official FIDE activities will be performed in multiple languages so every federation can participate equally and fairly.
Unfortunately, Mr. Ilyumzhinov has failed to provide any plan of his own and his entire campaign consists of myths, lies, and personal and legal attacks against me and my team, so I feel obliged to respond. My reputation is my life and I will fight to protect it. We may assume the Ilyumzhinov campaign platform is four more years of the same. Four more years of doing nothing in education. Four more years of doing nothing on the internet. Four more years without title sponsors. Four more years of federations going bankrupt while officials take money out of the sport instead of bringing it in.
After 19 years, everyone knows what Mr. Ilyumzhinov is and it is surprising that he wishes to fight a negative campaign considering his own deeply troubling history. Being accused of corruption by Kirsan Ilyumzhinov is like being called greedy by King Midas himself! It is almost as if he creates new scandals simply to make people forget about the old ones. But Google never forgets and the chess world shouldn’t either.
Investors evaluate reputation and quality before investing and the same thing is true with potential FIDE sponsors. They look at Mr. Ilyumzhinov’s history and rate it “AAA”: Aliens, Assad, and Agon!
I will meet Mr. Ilyumzhinov’s baseless attacks in any courtroom and he and his accomplices will join me! Let us hear their statements under oath about their mismanagement of FIDE assets and their side deals exploiting their FIDE authority for personal profit like that with Agon, which is now under investigation by the FIDE Ethics Commission after a suit filed by member federations. Such conflicts of interest are business as usual in FIDE today, part of serving themselves and not the federations, not chess. But I would rather not waste so much time and money. Let us resolve our contest with the ballot box on August 11.
Ilyumzhinov’s attacks are directed not only at me, but especially against FIDE General Secretary Ignatius Leong. Ignatius joined my team after years of trying to work within Ilyumzhinov’s FIDE for reform and the promotion of chess in Asia. Frustrated, he was happy to join my ticket of sponsorship and transparency. For this he is being subjected to vicious personal attacks from Ilyumzhinov’s desperate gang. The chess world should be proud of his tireless work and his courage.
Various allegations have been made concerning the allocation of funds under agreements between me and Ignatius last September and October. These attempts to mischaracterize our agreements are typical propaganda, accusing an opponent of one’s own sins.
The first signed agreement clearly states that all money will go from the Kasparov Chess Foundation Asia to the ASEAN Chess Academy, not to any individuals. It also clearly states all the money will be spent on chess programs and chess development in East Asia.
The related grant agreement from KCF also specifically says that the money goes only to the organization with the explicit purpose of “encouraging the study and play of chess in East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Region.”
The agreement even expressly prohibits activities that cannot be defined as charitable or educational and it prohibits transferring the money to other organizations or individuals. The created trust is under New York law with all the strict legal and financial duties for Ignatius and for our organizations. This is what transparently supporting chess development with private sponsorship looks like! Perhaps Mr. Ilyumzhinov, Mr. Markopoulos and the rest simply don’t recognize it and assume our agreement is as dishonest and self-serving as all of theirs are. We are willing and prepared to defend the merits and correctness of our agreements in any court of law in New York or Singapore.
I would prefer to continue my global campaign tour, where I am meeting thousands of chessplayers and fans, government and chess officials, and potential sponsors of every possible kind.
Just a few weeks ago I was in Gabon to speak at a huge and very impressive business and development forum in Libreville. After I spoke about the value of chess in education, the last question from the audience came from the front row. Gabon’s Minister of Education, Léon Nzouba, raised his hand and asked how to get these programs into schools! I was delighted to tell him afterward that I had signed an agreement there on the same day to begin the process immediately!
[ Watch the video of that segment from the NY Forum in Gabon. ]
That was a fortuitous moment, but it is not an unusual one. My team and I have assisted with sponsorship, tournaments, and education programs for dozens of federations during this campaign and it is only the beginning.
The support for chess is there. The money for chess is there. You only need to know where to look and how to ask and how to follow through. My team and I know – we have been proving it around the world since we launched our campaign in October.
The game of chess has a great history and a great reputation. FIDE also has a great history, as an organization that represented and supported its members instead of ruling them and taking money from them as it does today. A strong FIDE is a FIDE for the federations, not the other way around. My team and I will restore FIDE’s proper role and work with the federations to give chess the bright future our game deserves.
Garry Kasparov
Macau
June 11, 2014
May 31st, 2014
Kasparov Letter to the Federations.
Greetings to all members and officials of the global chess community.
With this message we reach the middle of a very sharp middlegame in this campaign for the FIDE presidency! My team and I will be reaching out to you directly with regular updates and announcements and we welcome your ideas and questions. [email protected]
Since my campaign launch in Tallinn last October I have been to more than 40 countries while my ticket members and campaign team have visited at least 40 more. I have met and spoken to the chess representatives of nearly 100 nations. During all these encounters I have had some amazing experiences that have renewed my faith in the global chess community and also convinced me more than ever that we must have change in FIDE. We talked about their needs, their ideas, and what they hope to achieve.
FULL LETTER
May 29th, 2014
Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines President, will be the standard bearer of the Team Kasparov for the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) elections.
Running on a platform of more equitable representation for Asian countries for more ease in empowering them, Pichay – an accomplished businessman and a consistent outstanding Congressman in his country’s legislature – vows the chess world will see more nations from the biggest continent with him at the helm of ACF.
FULL STORY
May 27, 2014 13:15
LETTER FROM IGNATIUS LEONG TO THE FEDERATIONS: KIRSAN AND HIS PROMISES
The 2014 FIDE Election Campaign of the 19-year incumbent Kirsan Ilyumzhinov is certainly the dirtiest we’ve ever seen. His mudslinging and cheap shots are the acts of a desperate man doing desperate things.
Kasparov represents needed change, removing a stale and corrupt regime consisting of Ilyumzhinov together with Georgios Makropoulos and others, or “Makro & friends.” The Ilyumzhinov team’s frantic personal attacks show they know how weak their support is this year and how many of their 2010 supporters have abandoned them in favor of Kasparov’s team.
FULL STORY
PHILIPPINES
National Chess Federation of the Philippines reaffirms support!
SOUTH AFRICA
Closing ceremony with CHESSA President Hendrik du Toit — at Southdowns College.
With the squad from Swaziland — at Southdowns College.
With Ugandan IM Elijah Emojong who performed well in the GM norm section — at Southdowns College.
Garru with the Lesotho team — at Southdowns College.
UGANDA
By Samuel Sanya
GARRY Kasparov’s second visit to Uganda kicked off on the right note with corporates reaching into their deep pockets to support the development of chess in schools and around the country. Read more
Kasparov talks to corporates and UCF officials during a dinner at Serena Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo
ETHIOPIA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia April 2014
From left. Mr. Debesu President chess federation Ethiopia, Graham Jurgensen, Garry Kasparov, Tariq President chess federation Nigeria, Africa Msimang , President KCF Africa , Githinji Hinga president Chess Kenya , Getnet Ethiopia chess. @ Organisation of Africa Union Head office , Addis Ababa
MALAYSIA
On 23 April 2014, Garry Kasparov, 13th World Chess Champion and Candidate for FIDE President, flew into a grand welcome in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
FULL STORY
Garry and Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah
Garry and Datuk Ibrahim Ahmad, Director General MARA with Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib, President of the Malaysian Chess Federation copy
Garry in conversation with Dato Sri Mustapha Mohamad, Minister for International Trade & Industry
Garry handing over a cheque to Tan Dri Ramli Ngah Talib to help start Kasparov Chess Foundations Asia-Pacific’s support for Chess in Education
Garry was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, following no less than another legend in Mohammad Ali as the only other sportsman winner!
Group Photo of Global Leadership Awards Winners 2014
AUSTRALIA
Chess Royalty in Australia!
Report and photos by Leonid Sandler
It had been a long 14 years since Chess World Champion ( V.Anand then) visited Australia. Finally Garry Kasparov made the long awaited trip to the Green Continent in his first and hopefully not the last visit!
FULL STORY
Chess on the frontline
With ACF President Gary Wastell giving out prizes.
Champions
The organiser of Doeberl Cup tournament in Canberra Charles Bishop thanking Garry for his help promoting this Premier Australian event.
MEXICO
“I thought I had seen just about everything, to be honest,” said Kasparov. “But Mexico City has surpassed my wildest expectations in so many ways. First off, the fans and even non-chessplayers showing so much interest and support. Education unites everyone! Then, the unanimity of political support here for KCF and chess in education is amazing. The mayor, the senate, the congress, the city assembly, they all joined in, across party lines! One joked it was the first time the PRD and PRI guys wanted to be in the same photo together! The Sports Minister, Jesús Mena, even came to speak at the KCF opening. I’m very grateful for all their support and efforts. And I must give special mention to my friend Hiquingari Carranza, director of the new KCF, for making all of this possible. He did so much great work that I think I could have asked him for another pyramid in Teotihuacan and he could have built it in a month!
– Garry Kasparov
FULL STORY
Garry getting a few simul tips from Mexico City mayor Miguel Ángel Mancera. (GM Nikola Mitkov, a visiting trainer sent by KCF, on the left.)
A challenger arises! A surprise guest at the Congress was the age group champion of Mexico City for an impromptu game of blitz with the former world champion. To Kasparov’s right is the very impressive young Congressman Zárate, who is spearheading the chess in education campaign in parliament.
With Senadora Lilia Guadalupe Merodio Reza in her office. A friendly draw was agreed.
Emilio Lozoya is the CEO of Petróleos Mexicanos, better known as PEMEX, one of the world’s largest companies. He’s also a chess fan and supporter of Kasparov’s efforts to promote the game as a sport and education tool in Latin America. PEMEX, along with Banamex, the Slim Foundation, and many other big sponsors made the new Foundation center and this amazing event possible.
A firm handshake with Hiquingari Carranza after signing the papers formally launching the Fundacion Kasparov de Ajedrez para IberoAmerica. Carranza is the president and is already hard at work.
PORTUGAL
Garry Kasparov might not be ready to play in the Senior World Championship just yet, but he did visit the event in Portugal in March. He was visiting the country also to meet with the Portuguese Federation and its impressive president, Francisco Castro, and participate in meetings with government officials on his preferred topic of chess in education.
FULL STORY
Garry with Francisco Castro and another legend, former women’s world champion Nona Gaprindashvili of Georgia.
With Secretary of Sports and Youth Emídio Guerreiro
With Valentina Kozlovskaya of Russia, who won the 65+ event.
ALBANIA
In the framework of innovative program “Sport in School”, Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting with the world chess legend Garry Kasparov, who was in Tirana with an invitation of Albanian Government and under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Innovation and Public Administration. In the meeting held at the prime minister were also invited young people, students, and chess sport fans, among them were also former Albanian champions of this sport.
FULL STORY
Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed the commitment of the government to make available to this innovative program all the possible human and material capacities.
GAMBIA
From the very beginning of his campaign for FIDE president, Garry Kasparov talked about promoting chess, not just running for office. The impact of his many visits around the world (now over 20 countries!) has been tremendous, making front-page news on three continents and putting the game of chess in the spotlight.
An even better result came in Gambia, where the Kasparov Chess Foundation sponsored an impressive chess championship! Mr. Larbi Houari was on the scene for us and Alieu M Sallah, Secretary General of the Gambian Chess Federation, prepared this excellent report. Africa Rising!!!
FULL STORY
Report by Alieu M Sallah, Secretary General of the Gambian Chess Federation
Garry Kasparov, Antouman Njie and Larbi Houari in Dakar – 2014, January 28th
Garry Kasparov, President Boubakar Diallo (Senegal) and President Antouman NJIE on the way to Goree Island
Alhagi Momodou M Dibba, the President Gambia National Olympic Committee (center) with Larbi Houari and Antouman Njie
CONGO
The Africa tour finished in Congo with a fitting conclusion on the themes of unity and cooperation that had been seen during the entire trip. Kasparov learned a great deal from his gracious hosts about their ambitious dreams for chess and education and he discussed the implementation of his chess in schools platform. There was also great interest in establishing a framework for tournament chess in order to develop FIDE-rated talents to train and inspire the next generation of kids. This type of far-reaching planning — as you should expect from chess players! — is what the Kasparov Chess Foundation does and what FIDE will do with Team Kasparov. FULL STORY
Members of the Congolese Federation around Garry Kasparov
Garry Kasparov plays a friendly game against the winner of the tournament
SOUTH AFRICA
Following the major success of the gala dinner function in Tanzania, Garry and the team arrived at Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg on the morning of the 5th February 2014.
Once again, neighbouring federations had been invited to meet with him during this stop and his first engagement was a private dinner function with the executive board of the Namibian Chess federation as well as Mr Benjamin Hoareau, President of the Seychelles Chess Federation. FULL STORY
Garry, Afrika and Advocate Lyndon Bouah following the dinner with Chess Namibia and Seychelles
Garry with the newly elected members of the CHESSA Executive Board.
TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR
“When I was a child, my father and I would read the stories of the great explorers and adventurers. One name always stuck in my head as a distant and magical place: Zanzibar! To be honest, when my plane was coming in to Dar es Salaam and the announcement said it would be continuing to Zanzibar, I was tempted to stay aboard. But now that I know just where it is, and how welcoming are the people of Tanzania, and how well our chess programs will perform here, I am sure I will have a chance to return soon to fulfill this childhood dream.”
— Garry Kasparov
FULL STORY
GM Kasparov addressing Students at Shabaan Robert Secondary School, from his Right Mr. Ramji , Headmaster of Shabaan Robert Secondary School, Mr. Vinay Choudary the Chairman Tanzania Chess Foundation, Mr. Lekan Adeyemi President Nigeria Chess Federation, Mr. Geoffrey Mwanyika Chairman Tanzania Chess Association
Future champion? Maybe 🙂
GM Kasparov with National Sports Council Chairman and Hon. Minister Dr. Fenella Mukangara and Board members of Tanzania Chess Association
GM Kasparov with Board Members of Tanzania Chess Association
NIGERIA
Nigeria Rising! Officials & Business Leaders Welcome Kasparov
During all of his campaign and chess promotion travels, Garry Kasparov returns to a central message: “Politics, business, and education mix when you have the right recipe, and that recipe is chess!” His plan, to fund chess in education programs, national chess federations and FIDE itself with the balanced cultivation of commercial sponsorship and public investment. Instead forcing the federations to pay onerous fees to FIDE, the international federation will leverage its global profile to support and develop the federations. FULL STORY
GNANA
Garry Kasparov’s campaign tour brought him next to Ghana, a nation whose name means King, or Warrior King. It is an auspicious name for chess, and for a visiting chess king. As always, Kasparov was enthusiastically welcomed by the local chess community as well as local officials from the political and business communities.
Our special thanks and congratulations to George Arko-Dadzie, president of the Ghana Chess Association, for winning his election and showing for the Kasparov team. (And also for the photos and report!)
FULL STORY
President of GCA, GM Kasparov and CEO of UT Bank at the Inaugural Ceremony of the UT Bank Chess Club
Simultaneous game with two children
Photograph with students of Queen’s International School
Photograph with students of Queen’s International School
IVORY COAST
The second stop on Garry Kasparov’s latest campaign tour was Ivory Coast, where he was received with such grace and celebration that he could scarcely believe his eyes. Truly the revolution in the chess world is beginning in Africa! FULL STORY
The Minister of Sports Alain Lobognon received Garry Kasparov, Larbi Houari, Eissis Essoh and Charles LORNG at his cabinet.
To the sides of Fadika Sarra Sako, the second vice-president Madam Amah Tehoua, the deputy Mr. Toure Yacouba and other honorable members of the Ivorian national assembly share questions.
SENEGAL
Garry Kasparov launched the West Africa portion of his latest campaign tour in Senegal. He was very well received on every level, from the national governments to chess officials to chess fans. Speaking after his visits to Senegal and Ivory Coast, Kasparov said,
“These have been some of the most amazing days of my life. The enthusiasm here for chess, for what it can do for kids and for education, is really amazing. They see what we have done with the Kasparov Chess Foundation Africa and are inspired. I appreciate their respect for me and my achievements, of course, but I also know that I have much to see and learn here.
FULL STORY
Garry Kasparov on the presidential boat heading to the island of Gorée together with Mr. Antouman NJIE (left) and Boubakar DIALLO (right), respectively presidents of the federations of Gambia and Senegal.
Welcomed by the Deputy of Mr. Augustin Senghor, Mayor of the Gorée island
Garry Kasparov with the Olympic Committee
Garry received by the Minister of Sports of Senegal, Mr. Mbagnick Ndiaye
Receiving the Order of Merit for Sport from Mr. Alain Lobognon the Minister of Sports
Lady Aminata Touré: Prime Minister of Senegal.
By Choi Junil
When the news came out from Tallinn that Garry Kasparov announced his candidacy and his team for the FIDE Elections 2014, Mdm Hyun In Suk, President of Korea Chess Federation, immediately sent an email to Mr Ignatius Leong to extend her invitation to Kasparov to visit Korea on 26-28 December. Mr Leong responded immediately that Mr Kasparov had accepted the invitation but he would have to inform his mother, wife and three children as they had already planned to spend Christmas in Tallinn. Most urgently was that he needed to change his entire itinerary for that period.
Press Conference held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club – from left, Ignatius Leong, Garry Kasparov, KCF President Mdm Hyun In Suk, President of Gangneung Yeongdong College Mr Nam Pyeong Oh and the translator.
More than 150 kids queuing for their books to be autographed.
Almira Skripchenko giving a simul.
Garry Kasparov’s Asian tour landed in the Philippines and it was a long and busy day indeed! He received a great welcome in the chess-mad nation, and spent a full day of meetings and events. Full report below by one of the Philippines many Grandmasters. (You may not guess how many!) FULL STORY
VIP Welcome by the Asia’s first Grandmaster Eugene Torre at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport
NCFP Chairman/President Prospero A. Pichay Jr. (center, shaking hands with Kasparov) officially welcomes GM Garry Kasparov (From far left Judge Gonzalo Mapili, GM Jayson Gonzales, GM Eugene Torre, Congressman Neri Javier Colmenares, and Ignatius Leong.
Philippine Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (extreme right) presents his gift to GM Kasparov (Far left GM Torre, GM Gonzales, Ignatius Leong, and Senator Pimentel’s Lawyer Sister and his chief of staff.
MACAU AND HONG KONG
Kasparov and Leong Well Received in Macau and Hong Kong
Garry’s first campaign tour to Asia with Ignatius Leong continued in Macau and Hong Kong. Our great thanks to the organizers for their efforts and to Jose Silveirinha and Jackson Li for their reports. Earlier reports from the trip are here and here.
FULL STORY
Leong, Mdm Leong Lai, Kasparov, Mr Jose Tavares and Mr Jose Silveirinha.
GK with Leong and board members of the Hong Kong Chess Federation, Chan Ping-Yuen, Secretary Luk Luen-Wah, Vice President Prof Harold Corke, President Jackson Li, Ms Ho Yinping, Delegate KK Chan and Mingo Lam.
SINGAPORE AND THAILAND
Sponsorship, Education, and Technology the Focus for Kasparov in Singapore
Report by Peter Long
The legendary former World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov was the Guest of Honour at the Singapore Chess Federation Awards Night on 16 November 2013. Kasparov, a candidate to become the president of FIDE (World Chess Federation), was on his second stop on his first tour of Asian countries that have pledged their support to the charismatic Russian, who is based in New York, USA. FULL STORY
Launch of the Kasparov Chess Foundation Asia-Pacific
SCF President Making His Annual Repot
Kasparov Sees Chess of All Kinds in Thailand
by Panupand Vijjuprabha
FIDE Presidential Candidate Garry Kasparov and running mate Ignatius Leong arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, on the 19th November and received VVIP reception at the airport by the Secretary and Delegate of the Thailand Chess Association (TCA) Mr Panupand Vijjuprabha. FULL STORY
Mr Kittiratt, the Minister of Finance, explaining the rules of Thai Chess to a fascinated Kasparov
Kasparov learning Myanmar Chess as Treasurer Sahapol watches.
FIDE General Secretary Leong enjoying blitz games with some of the players
Discussing an endgame position
INDONESIA
The first tour of the campaign is in Asia and the first stop was Indonesia. Afterward, Garry heads to Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Macau, and Hong Kong. The launch of the Kasparov Chess Foundation Asia-Pacific is imminent! Garry will return to Asia in 2014. Full story
Meeting Mr. Muhammad Nuh, National Education and Culture Minister of Indonesia.
A souvenir from Chairman of the Indonesian National Olympic Committee, Mr. Tono Suratman (Ret. Major General).
Left to right – Hamidy (Secretary-General), Ignatius Leong, Immanuel Robert Inkiriwang, Tono Suratman (Ret. Major General), Garry Kasparov, GM Utut Adianto, Suwarno (Ret. Major General), Rikardo (Indonesian Chess Federation)
Talking with Mr. Roy Suryo, the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs of Indonesia.
Mr. Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo, Chairman of Indonesian Chess Federation giving the opening speech at dinner.
To read more campaign trail stories, please visit my campaign site at www.kasparov2014.com
You can also follow our campaign developments on Facebook and on Twitter for more instantaneous news and updates.
Garry can also be found on Instagram, where we continue to release his historic photos along with more current photo updates.
