2010 July 14 — 2010 FIDE Election

In continuation of his visit to the Americas, the FIDE President, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia visited Costa Rica on July 12 & 13, where he met with the Presidents of a number of Central American Federations, – Messrs. Alhan Carrera, President, and Jose Pujol, General Secretary (Panama Chess Federation), Mr. Oscar Figueroa, President of the Guatemala Chess Federation, Mr. Mauricio Castro – Delegate, and Mr. Ernesto Dirzan Alvarado, Treasurer of the Costa Rica Chess Federation. The meeting was attended by the Zone President (2.3), Mr. Erick Hernandez.

Press Conference

Kirsan With President of Guatemala Chess Federation Oscar FIGUEROA

Kirsan With Minister of Sports of Costa Rica Giselle GOYENAGA

Kirsan with 2.3 Zonal President Erick HERNANDEZ

The topics of the discussion were similar to the previous meetings, preparation for the Khanty-Mansiysk Olympiad, possibilities of the introduction of Chess in Schools program and possible difficulties, relationships with FIDE, state bodies and sponsors.

Kirsan With NOC President of Costa Rica Henry NUNEZ

The FIDE President also met with the President of the Costa Rica NOC Mr. Henry Nunez and the Sports Minister Mrs. Gizelle Goyenaga, where a similar range of issues were discussed. After a respective address of the FIDE President, Mr. Nunez expressed his readiness to support the inclusion of chess into the program of the Olympic Games.

Mrs. Minister informed Mr. Ilyumzhinov that in March 2011 a new stadium shall be inaugurated, where the Chess Federation of Costa Rica shall receive premises and facilities for their own use.

She invited the FIDE President to participate in the opening ceremony.

Messrs. Ilyumzhinov, Continental President Jorge Vega, Zone President Erick Hernandez and Consul of the Russian Embassy Tatiana Tarasova met with the local media members and attended the National Women’s Championship.