Dear Boris Vasilyevich!

On behalf of World Chess Federation (FIDE) and millions of your fans all around the globe and me personally, let me congratulate you on your 80th Anniversary!
I consider it a big luck of my life to know you personally and with warmness I recollect our numerous meetings.
Your professionalism, integrity, competence, high performance, hardness in achieving the goal, modesty, generosity, sparkling sense of humor, gentleman's attitude to all your rivals - these and many other qualities of your character have always helped to strengthen your credibility.
Thanks to you, in 1972, after a legendary "match of the century" with Bobby Fischer, the whole world experienced the chess. You are a model of decency and nobility for the entire chess community, and not only.
You pass your rich life experience with pleasure to the younger generation. Thanks to your support and your efforts in Satka city of Chelyabinsk region, there is a children's chess school which is a chess Mecca in the Ural Federal District for more than 10 years already. Hundreds of children from a simple Russian province introduced to the wonderful world of chess.
I join to all the kind words and wishes addressed to you on this wonderful day. Dear Boris Vasilyevich, I wish you a health, optimism, perseverance in life situations and well-being.


Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
FIDE President

CONGRATULATION LETTER (RUS)