Elite Sponsorship Fund
Richard's Story
This year I managed to qualify for a place in the UK team for the 31st NATO Chess Championships, postponed from last year due to the pandemic. Belgium were the hosts this time and chose to hold it the seaside resort of Blankenberge. This prestigious event brings together the best chess players currently serving in each NATO nation's Military or Civilian support staff, with some spaces reserved for veterans.
The Tournament
The tournament is a friendly event, many of the players having become good friends over many years of competition. The chess itself is taken very seriously and as always there were some high-level players, close to grandmaster strength, and many more not far behind them. I had a difficult start losing my first three games to some real battlers. When this happens, self-doubt starts to creep in and you start to wonder if you will get any points at all.
Fortunately, all turned out well for me and I managed to win my next two games and finished with a very respectable three out of seven. Each nation's player's scores are aggregated to give a team score. The UK team is always heavily out-gunned and this year was no exception.
Still, it was a very decent performance with some great individual results. Poland came out on top, followed by Greece and Germany. On the social side Belgian beer was highly appreciated during the week. It comes in small glasses for good reason, as some of the UK team will testify!
It was wonderful to be part of this event. Simply making it happen in the age of COVID took a huge amount of organisation and planning. Many thanks to our friends in Belgium and all of the Nations taking part.
Thank you to CSSC
I am very grateful to the CSSC for the financial donation from their elite competitor scheme. This was a huge help to me as there had been some additional costs this year due to mandatory COVID testing requirements.
The UK's Armed Forces Chess Association are a friendly bunch and are always welcoming to new players of all abilities from novices to grandmasters. They meet for an annual tournament and also compete in the National Chess League (4NCL). If you are serving or ex-military or MOD and would like know more follow this link. https://serviceschess.wixsite.com/home
