First stone laid in foundation of International academy of chess

Today, in Kazan, a ceremony of laying memorable capsule and the first stone in foundation of International academy of chess took place. RT State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev, mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, RT minister of youth, sports and tourism Rafis Burganov, president of International ches federation Kirsam Ilyumzhinov, board chairman of Russian chess federation Ilya Levitov, president of RT chess federation Gennady Zakharov and others took part in a festive action.

«Big chess has arrived in capital of Tatarstan, - mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin said, opening the event. – This is one of such measures which is held in the run-up to the Universiade -2013 in Kazan. Today we witness a very significant event –laying of the first stone of future Academy of chess».

RT State counselor Mintimer Shaimiev marked that Kazan today is called the third sports capital of Russia in connection with forthcoming summer Universiade-2013. «It I true that a lot of sport objects are being constructed in Tatarstan. But what is happening today has for history of our republic and for our country a special meaning», - mentioned Mintimer Shaimiev. By his words, palaces of chess are built far not everywhere. International academy of chess in Kazan is due to become one of the rare objects not only in Russia but in the whole world».

Minitimer Shaimiev informed that the negotiations had been held not one year, different versions were considered, and finally the decision was taken on construction of chess Academy on Ostrovskly street in Kazan. «This is a full complex of Academy of chess where everything is presented to stage competitions of the world scale», - Mintimer Shaimiev underlined. He also informed that a final decision on construction was accepted after meeting between Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and RT President Rustam Minnikhanov.

President of international chess federation (FIDE) Kirsan Ilyumzhinov told that FIDE unites 172 countries, 100 ths. competitions are held per year, more 600 mln. people play under aegis of this sport organization.

It is planned that International chess academy to be a part of the complex consisting of four unique high buildings «Cardinal directions», which constitute central link of building project «Quarter B» - fashionable living quarter in center of Kazan. The Academy will be used as a training base for preparing chess-players, coaches and arbiters. Here, the tournaments on chess within the context of Universiade-2013 and other competitions are to be held.

Later, a solemn opening of contenders matches for participation in world chess championship tool place in Kazan, Korston.