The European Club Cup and FIDE Congress have officially started today with a common opening ceremony as both events are simultaneously held in Antalya, Turkey.

The opening ceremony began with a minute of silence in the memory of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Turkish Republic and the hearing of Turkish national anthem followed immediately by FIDE and ECU anthems.

Mrs. Gulkiz Tulay, the president of Turkish Chess Federation (TCF), gave the opening speech. Mrs. Tulay welcomed all players and captains participating in European Club Cup as well as the FIDE delegates taking part in 88. FIDE Congress to Antalya, Turkey and wished them a pleasant time throughout their stay. The TCF president also specified her happiness and excitement for hosting both events in Turkey and mentioned that TCF is ready for successfully organizing both events thanks to its professional team with lots of experience in organization behind.

After Mrs. Tulay the president of European Chess Union (ECU) Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili came to the stage to deliver his speech. Greeting everyone and highlighting the importance of European Club Cup for chess players all around the world Mr. Azmaiparashvili went on to praise the efforts of Turkish Chess Federation in promoting chess in Turkey and he expressed his gratitude to the president of TCF and her team therefore. Mr. Azmaiparashvili ended his speech by inviting everyone to European Women Championship and European Youth Championship, which will be organized in 2018-2019 in Turkey.

The FIDE Deputy President Mr. Georgios Makropoulos was last to speak. Thanking both ECU and TCF for another successful organization with excellent conditions on behalf of FIDE, Mr. Makropoulos stated his pleasure in receiving the excellent Turkish hospitality once again and praised the fruitful colloboration between both organizations. The Deputy President wished all the teams and participants success and thus ended his speech.

European Club Cup and European Club Cup for Women will start with first round games on Sunday at 15.00 local time.

Technical Meeting

Official tournament website

88 FIDE Congress website