Sunday, April 23, 2006

Liverpool: A Chess Capital

The north-western English city of Liverpool has big chessic ambitions. Famous for the Beatles, Liverpool FC, and for holding the title of "European Capital of Culture 2008" - the city now has plans to be the "Capital of Chess".

"An exciting prospect", says the BCM.

Well, just take a look at the numbers being quoted here and even I can't help being excited. Imagine if such ambitions were also in my beloved Philippines and, of course, Australia.

The first of the planned events takes place this autumn when Liverpool, agreed by the European Chess Union, hosts the "European Union Individual Open Championship", September 6-15, followed by the Liverpool Congress, September 16-17. Both events will be hosted free-of-charge in splendid accommodation by Liverpool’s World Museum in a gallery overlooking St John’s Garden. The CoC has agreed £40,000 for these chess activities in 2006; the World Museum and The Mersey Partnership are also confirmed partners; and further partners are being sought.

We will scale up the following year by organising a yet more prestigious event. The CoC has earmarked £100,000 for chess activity during 2007, and I have been exploring whether Liverpool can win the tender to host the full "European Individual Championship", a larger and more prestigious event than the "EU Individual".

More from the Atticus Chess Club.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Liverpool has always been an important chess centre in UK.
Liverpool junior congress used to attract over 1000 players annually.
John Littlewood was leading player!