Chess Promotion in Mexico City

Chess is a universal game

By July 1, I was exiting a plane in Mexico City where I was made to feel at home by the organizers and high ranking officials who were waiting for my arrival. Next we drove in a special VIP vehicle to the Presidente InterContinental hotel where I checked into my room which had a magnificent view of the entire city with the beautiful mountain range at the edge of the horizon.

We then proceeded to the Casa Del Lago in the historic Chapultepec park. When I arrived, media and countless chess fans were waiting, and there were many billboards, banners and signs with my picture hanging everywhere. I have rarely experienced such a welcome.

After my interview with the media, I was immediately swamped with welcoming fans asking for autographs. The organizer even had to stop the session so I could attend the opening ceremony. Many of the chess VIPs from Mexico City were in attendance. I gave a 45 board simul and each of the participants were given special gifts from AKRO company. The most amazing thing was that around 1,000 people showed up just to watch the simul. The final score was 43W-1L-1D.

The next day saw the beginning of a very special scholastic tournament organized by Astrid Martin Del Campo, and sponsored by the AKRO company and the University of Mexico. The tournament was limited to 400 young players from ages 5-24, each of whom had to earn the right to compete in this event.

All the players received countless gifts including special embroidered commemorative polo shirts and backpacks, books, etc. The winners received laptops computers, top of the line pocket digital cameras, palm pilots, chess clocks, chess gears, chess computers, and much more; all courtesy of the Saggiante family and the AKRO company.

After welcoming the players, I gave an open Q&A session to the Mexican media while the players started their round. Many interesting questions were asked and it was done in a very friendly but professional format.

Following the Q&A session, I was driven to Cuernavaca for a 26 board simul against strong opponents. It is a beautiful city known for its special climate. The hosts of this simul were grandmaster Marcel Sisniega and FIDE Master Alberto Campos, sponsored by AKRO. It took place at a very historic museum and church before hundreds of spectators. The final score was 23W-1L-2D.

On Sunday, when I arrived at Casa Del Lago at the Chapultepec Park, more than 20,000 people were already at the park. What exposure for chess in Mexico City! A Q&A session was held along with the closing ceremony. Players of all ages were able to ask many questions. I love events like this because it gives the players and fans the opportunity to interact with the grandmasters.

Following the Q&A session, the organizers and sponsors awarded the prizes to the winners. Mr. Jorge Saggiante also announced that the winner of the Girl’s section would receive a trip to Las Vegas in June 2006 for the inaugural Susan Polgar World Open Championship for Girls (under 21). In addition, he would like to sponsor an annual match between the children of Mexico against the children of the United States, similar to the Collins’ Kids versus Iceland matches.
On the last night in Mexico City, I was invited to attend the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico at the historic Palacio de Bellas Artes and the performance was breathtaking.

This was the most spectacular and most professional children’s event I have ever attended outside of the United States. Many special thanks to everyone at Casa del Lago especially Jose Luis Paredes Pacho and Myrna Ortega, chief organizer Astrid Martin del Campo, arbiter Enrique Zaragoza, head of PR Alberto Andrade, Alejandro Preve (a chess organizer and sponsor from Merida), GM Marcel Sisniega and FM Alberto Campos, and many others for putting together such an extravagant and magnificent event.

My biggest thanks go to Mr. and Mrs. Saggiante, their children and the AKRO company. They are among the most generous sponsors and wonderful people I have ever met. I think chess in Mexico will have a very bright future.

www.chesscafe.com/polgar/polgar.htm