Over the summer I was saddened to hear that the future of the UK Schools Chess Challenge, the world's largest chess competition, was in doubt. The UK Schools Chess Challenge is very close to my heart . Indeed, way back in 1996 it was the first major tournament that I won. This opened some incredible doors, playing chess on Blue Peter and meeting the world champion, Garry Kasparov. I subsequently went on to win the UK Schools chess challenge eight times. My early involvement in schools chess was certainly the catalyst to going on and winning the British Ladies title 2013 and representing the English ladies team at the world chess Olympiads. Today I am a lawyer. However, since last year I have been 'full time' on chess teaching and playing in various competitions home and abroad.
I am delighted that my bid to take over the UK Schools Chess Challenge has been accepted. I am supported by my husband Alex Longson, a strong chess player and also a chartered accountant. We hope our professional backgrounds will add credence as the competition enters a new phase. I hope the UK Schools Chess Challenge continues to inspire and opens up new horizons. I also hope it continues to vaunt the belief that 'mental challenge and competition' is the 'equal of the sports field'. We met with Mike Basman and Pat Armstrong last weekend to discuss plans and they are happy to work with us to make this tournament a success.
UKCC
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Adam Raoof
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Re: UKCC
"like"
Adam Raoof IA, IO
Chess England Events - https://chessengland.com/
The Chess Circuit - https://chesscircuit.substack.com/
Chess England Events - https://chessengland.com/
The Chess Circuit - https://chesscircuit.substack.com/
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Andrew Zigmond
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Re: UKCC
Sarah, may I be the first to wish you and Alex every success.
Controller - Yorkshire League
Chairman - Harrogate Chess Club
All views expressed entirely my own
Chairman - Harrogate Chess Club
All views expressed entirely my own
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Mike Truran
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Re: UKCC
Andrew
You were (at best) the second.
You were (at best) the second.
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Christopher Kreuzer
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- Location: London
Re: UKCC
Bonus points for using the word "vaunt". 
Seriously, congratulations on winning the bid and best of luck with taking UKCC forward into a new era.
Seriously, congratulations on winning the bid and best of luck with taking UKCC forward into a new era.
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Mark Jordan
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Re: UKCC
Well done Sarah and Alex!
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Paul Dargan
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Re: UKCC
Good news for all our young chess players
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Michael Flatt
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Re: UKCC
Congratulations. This is really good news.
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Michael Farthing
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Re: UKCC
Great news. Good luck!
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Peter Turner
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Re: UKCC
A very welcome surprise, great news. All the best.
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Kevin Thurlow
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Re: UKCC
Very good news - Good luck. Apart from the chess expertise, an accountant and lawyer seem an ideal team.
I am delighted that Mike will still be involved.
I am delighted that Mike will still be involved.
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Steven DuCharme
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- Location: West Bend,WI USA
Re: UKCC
On behalf of all chess lovers outside the UK I say hip hip hooray!
I float like a pawn island and sting like an ignored knight 