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First Press Conference Last Day

Dresden, 25/11/2008

Organizers Pleased With Olympiad. As their work ends, time for reflection



After years of planning, the fortnight of chess in Dresden is nearing a close. After the final round ends this afternoon, all that will be left is the awards ceremony in the evening. Dr. Dirk Jordan, Chairman of the Dresden Olympiad, is about to get some sleep.


"Our main idea to have a great event came true," he said. Jordan said the tournament had three pillars: the "main part" - Olympiad itself, the color added to the event, and the chess culture around the city of Dresden. In addition to the 520 daily games, the metro area hosted chess book readings, simultaneous exhibitions and a chess fashion show, among other events. "It's more than fantastic," Jordan said.
 
Jorn-Torsten Verleger explained that the Olympiad was also successful financially..

"Finally we found sponsors who would support the Olympiad," he said of the three main sponsors, seven co-sponsors, and 61 total companies that gave money. "Believe me, it was of course hard work." He also said that various governments provided logistical and financial support, including the German Federation and the State of Saxony. "The main support came from the city of Dresden."
 
Susan Polgar said she was impressed that Dresden City Hall was transformed into the World of Chess for two weeks. "They gave their own building, their home, their backyard," she said.
 
Verleger gave a few staggering final numbers: 13,083 paid spectators and more than 25,000 liters of mineral water served.
 
FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov added a few thoughts going forward. He said that the "be on time" rule prevented the half empty tournament halls of previous Olympiads, and the rule will now apply to all FIDE events.

"My next plan is to expand the current membership from 165 current members to 200 members" he said, wishing for one billion players worldwide. "We want chess to be a new religion."

Text: Mike Klein
Photos: Georgios Souleidis