Here are some of the employees and volunteers of the amazing event
Photos from the MRW National Scholastic Tournament in Caracas: https://picasaweb.google.com/116302832360230031699/CaracasVenezuela
Here are some amazing highlights of the event:
– 600 qualified players (about 1/2 are girls) came from all over Venezuela to compete.
– There was no entry fee for any of the activities, including side events.
– It is organized and sponsored by MRW (similar to FedEx in the US). They did not just give money. The employees of the company did just about everything themselves.
– All players were provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as refreshments.
– All players were provided with T-shirts, multiple color photos (8×10) taken during the tournament, and other goodies.
– Each winner received a monthly cash scholarship for their chess training (about $2,000 per year).
– Employees of MRW volunteered the entire weekend to help out and make all the players and their families feel like VIPs, and they do it with so much passion, enthusiasm, and excitement.
– Even the President, Vice President, and other Managers were on hand the entire time to meet and greet everyone and help out any way they can.
– The organizer never made any money from the children or their families. Everything was done to benefit the children.
– It was one of the most spectacular scholastic events I have ever attended and I have attended countless events. I learned quite a bit from these warm, caring, and wonderful people.
The question is if a small group of individuals (not government and not chess federation of Venezuela) can put on an incredible event like this for children, why can’t the same thing be done in the US or other countries?
Because the USCF wants to make money. They’re not in the business of charity.