Shortly after 10.00 in the morning, in the square of the Town Hall of Rhodes, the raising of the Greek flag to the sounds of our National Anthem marked the beginning of the 34th Chess Championship of NATO member states.
On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the Championship, Colonel Angelos Dimanoudis, welcomed all the missions to Greece and to the beautiful island of Rhodes in particular, stressing that:
“The presence of chess players from the Armed Forces of 17 NATO member countries, here in Rhodes, underlines the importance of the sport of chess, a sport that cultivates thinking, patience and foresight – values that are essential for members of the Armed Forces .”
The President of the IMMC, Colonel Slawomir Kendzierski, stated in his greeting: “Greece has a very rich sports history. The Olympic Games, after all, began on ancient Greek soil. In addition, 100 years ago FIDE was founded, which creates another important link between the present and the past.”
This was followed by Mr. Akis Delaportas, Vice-Regional Governor of Aegean Prefecture for Sports, underlining that: “We support chess with dedication, co-organizing, for a number of years, pan-Hellenic and international actions, in excellent and close cooperation with the chess club of Rhodes “Ippotis” who does worthy and serious work.”
At the same time, he presented the largest Special Program for the Maintenance and Upgrading of Sports Facilities, through which abandoned spaces are transformed into lively homes, full of children who use their free time creatively through play and sports.
The Mayor of Rhodes, Mr. Alexandros Koliadis pointed out that: “Hosting such an important event fills us with pride, as we are given the opportunity to welcome chess players and members of the armed forces from NATO member countries. Chess is a sport that combines strategic thinking, patience and mental challenge, values that find common ground with the discipline and dedication of the men and women who serve in the armed forces.
Rhodes, with its warm hospitality and unparalleled natural beauty, is the ideal setting for such an important championship. I am sure that the participants will enjoy not only the sporting side of the event but also the opportunity to get to know the history, culture and beauties of our island.”
The speeches ended with the Chief of Staff of the 95th National Guard Battalions, Colonel Thomas Papaspyros reminding us that:
“Chess, one of the oldest and most strategic games, is not only a form of entertainment, but also a means of reminding us of the value of thinking, strategy and decision-making. Values that are inextricably linked to military virtue. This championship is not only a battle of wits and tactics, but also an opportunity to develop bonds of friendship and cooperation.”
This was followed by the customary group photo in front of the island’s Town Hall and then a reception at the National Guard Club of Rhodes.
Present at the event were Colonel Angelos Dimanoudis (representative of the Organizing Committee), Colonel Slavomir Kent-Zierski, General Stefers, Mr. Akis Delaportas (Vice Regional Governor of South Aegean for Sports Matters), Mr. Alexandros Koliadis (Mayor of Rhodes), Colonel Thomas Papaspyrou (Chief of Staff of the 95th Higher Command of National Guard Battalions), Giorgos Pattas (Deputy Mayor of Communication), Mr. Stamatis Karavas (President of S.OR. “Ippotis”), Mr. Savvas Kambouropoulos (Vice President S.OR. “Ippotis”), Mr. Nikos Papastamatiou (Executive Secretary of the South Aegean Region).
As the President of IMMC wished, we also hope that all the players will give their best in the spirit of noble rivalry in the 64 blocks. May the strongest win!
The 34th NATO Chess Championship is organized by the secretariat of the ASAED (Supreme Council for Sports of the Armed Forces) and the International Military Chess Committee of NATO (IMCC) with co-organizers the Chess Club of Rhodes “IPPOTIS”, the South Aegean Region, the Municipality of Rhodes and the Hellenic Chess Federation (ESO).
Special thanks for their continuous support to the South Aegean Region, the Regional Governor Mr. HATZIMARKOS GIORGOS & the Deputy Regional Governor for Sports Mr. DELAPORTA AKI, at the RODOS PALACE Hotel 5* and Mr. KAMPOURAKIS ANTONIS XENAKIS mobility, Dodecanese Beekeeping, J@D Rent a Car, At Holidays, the Accounting Office “Papadimitriou & Associates”, Elektrodomi S.A.