The European School Chess Championship 2016 started yesterday in Kallithea, Halkidiki/Greece, in organization of the European Chess Union and the International School Chess Union.
Before the first round, a short opening ceremony was held, where the ECU President Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili made a first symbolic move on the top board in Open U17 section.
The ECU President also addressed to the present, wishing them great tournament and pleasant stay in Kallithea.
The ECU Secretary General Mr. Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou, ECU EDU Commission Secretary Mr. Alexander Kostyev, Tournament Director Mr. Nikos Kalesis and the Chief Arbiter IA Kytharidis Argyrios were also present at the opening ceremony and addressed to the players.
More than 250 players from over 20 European federations are taking part in this event, divided in 6 age categories: U7, U9, U11, U13, U15 and U17. Categories Open U17 and Girls U17 are merged into one section with 20 players and 9 female contestants.
The tournament will be played according to the Swiss System in 9 rounds, with the time control 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, plus 30 seconds increment per move starting from move one.
All the winners in each category get trophies and special prizes, 4-6 place get medals and chess gifts, and there are 10 special as well as 3 team prizes.
The organizers have provided side events during the Championship, such as excursions program, seminars and solving competition.