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Yorkshire Chess Association

Last update:
11/07/02

 

President's Report 2002

 

 

I put down my intentions in writing soon after the AGM last year.  I said at the time that it would serve as ammunition to shoot me down this year.  I feel that I am one of my fiercest critics and I must say that I have a fair way to go before realising all my ambitions for Yorkshire chess.

 

I stated that communication was the key.  Almost immediately our new website editor did a disappearing act.  I’m really grateful to our Secretary, Steve Mann, for continuing with his excellent site he set up for the Yorkshire chess association last year.  He has managed to keep everybody informed throughout the year and it was good to see posted at various chess clubs this year, league tables printed off from this site.

 

My other concern was our financial state.  How can we fund everything we want to do?  For example, pay game fee, affiliation fees and meet expenses for our successful county teams.

 

People have given me suggestions at spending even more cash we don’t have but we are still working on a few leads to help bring in some decent sponsorship to the county.  We created a new position on the committee last year of Marketing Director and I would like to see this post continue for another year.  We have managed to increase our profile and make contacts with some potential sponsors but this needs to be pursued far more vigorously for my liking this season. 

 

I have achieved something that was never in my ‘manifesto’.  Just before Christmas I noticed that of all the players I came across in various leagues, very few were significantly younger than me.  In fact most chess clubs don’t seem to have juniors coming through.  “The blame lies with the schools and teachers” everybody will tell you. 

 

Soon after this I hit upon the ‘Adopt a school scheme' which has had a good response in the Bradford area and is beginning to creep over into Leeds.  I think many more clubs in Yorkshire should pursue this if we are to maintain our position as one of the strongest counties. 

 

Lets support the school kids and give them a future of chess playing in the whole region.

 

I promise to continue to serve Yorkshire chess this season in whatever capacity you see fit.

 

Ihor Lewyk,

Ihorlewyk@lineone.net

Tel: 01274 567559

President Yorkshire Chess Association.

 

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