FIDE100 Olympic Torch Ceremony – Thank you

This spectacular event will probably only happen once in my life, and I am grateful to have been part of it. As with all such events there are many people who gave time and money to thank.

First & foremost, Paul Spiller, who was Organizer and overall coordinator. He also met most of the up-fronts costs required, conscious as always of a limited NZCF budget. In fact, Paul got his whole family involved! His son Jason is a professional in this area and supplied large TV screens for video screening and arranged a videographer at a discounted rate. Paul’ s wife Joanne and daughter Laura, ably assisted by Robin Britton managed the orderly dinner registration and entry to Māori welcome group.

Evguenia Charomova was an active host, arranging a TVNZ Breakfast Show interview with Sergei Indeikin; additional videography (including a drone!) at Auckland scenic spots; introductory video clips for the Vishy Anand lecture and finally all day travelling with FIDE guests to Rotorua.

Martin Dreyer for general support, but especially all-day transport of Sergei to get the Olympic torch and bowl properly functioning. Unbeknown to us, the gas fittings had to be modified to NZ standards by a professional gasfitter.

Winnie Ong for organizing the small Kapa haka group to give our guests a traditional Māori welcome. There were many last-minute issues to resolve, but all went well in the end. She and her husband also bought and distributed little NZ flags so we could cheer the marching Olympiad teams.

Gemma Barnes and her two sons, Jack and Josh had loads of energy on the day assisting with lecture registration and orderly seating and buying small gifts for FIDE guests.

Alexei Kulashko who volunteered to drive our FIDE guests to Rotorua and back in a single day(!) so they could enjoy at least a little of NZ’s unique geothermal scenery.

Richard Christie who prepared the accreditation lanyards.

Craig Hall and Bob Gibbons for assisting throughout.

There were many distinguished guests who made a special effort to attend. Of course, our Olympiad Team players who bore the flaming torch; Gary Wastell, Australian Chess Federation President; Jim Benson, Patron NZCF, Grandmaster Murray Chandler, Brian Winsor (95) and Tony Booth (86) among our oldest active chess players.

My list is not comprehensive; amid the busy days, others too volunteered on the spot to help.  Many thanks from the NZ Chess Federation and players generally for making the days a success!

Nigel Metge

President NZ Chess Federation