Hastings Congress seeking sponsor

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Tim Harding
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Joined: Sat Oct 23, 2010 8:46 pm
Location: Dublin, Ireland

Hastings Congress seeking sponsor

Post by Tim Harding » Fri May 24, 2019 9:14 pm

I'm a bit surprised nobody has posted the press release sent out by the Hastings congress organisers three days ago.

They sent two files. They should have used a spell-checker on the first one:
HASTINGS CHESS – NEXT MOVE

At this time of year the organisers of Hastings International Chess Congress are usually busy preparing the entry form for the annual event which should start at the end of December. To enable this a new lead sponsor is needed to replace Tradewise Insurance Company whose agreed term of sponsorship came to an end after the 2018-2019 event.

Hastings Borough Council, which has sponsored the tournament for many years, is willing to continue its support but this requires match-funding. The Congress is seeking to raise £10,000-£15,000 to enable this historic and world renowne [sic] event to take place as usual at the end of this year. So far £2,000 has been pledged towards this target. The present day Congress which takes place from 28th December to 6th January each year, brings considerable income to the town at a time of year when visitors are scarce.

Each year the event attracts around 400 entries from over 20 countries and provides excellent opportunities for aspiring players to achieve international honours. The careers of many illustrious chess players have benfited [sic] from playing here. The event also provides a feast of chess for ordinary club players. The games in the Masters tournament are broadcast worldwide attracting a wode [sic] audience and the IT aspect is something which could easily be exploited to a sponsor's advantage.

The recent success of the English team securing the silver medal at the world Open Team Championship also owes some debt to Hastings. All members of the team have honed their skills at Hastings.

The great Hastings tournament of 1895 cemented its place in chess history being the strongest worldwide chess event of the 19th century. The list of participants reads like a roll-call of the world's greatest chess players. The late Russian grandmaster David Bronstein, who tied for a World Championship title, said that Hastings had become an integral part of Hastings and English heritage.

The centenary of the Hastings International Chess congress will take place in 2020-2021. Sponsorship is being sought urgently to ensure the continuation of the event this year. However, the ultimate aim is to attract a major sponsor which would enable the Congress to recover its past status in the international chess calendar.

For further information please contact:

Pam Thomas, PR Officer, Hastings International Chess Congress
e-mail: [email protected]
Here's the second one, directed more at potential sponsors.
HASTINGS INTERNATIONAL CHESS CONGRESS
www.hastingschess.com

● Hastings International Chess Congress is the World's most historic chess event in which many World Champions have played. The late Russian grandmaster, David Bronstein said that Hastings Congress had become an integral part of English heritage. This event provides an ideal opportunity for any company seeking promotion locally, nationally and internationally.

● The Hastings International Chess Congress is the longest running international chess tournament in the world and will reach its centenary in 2020-2021. A time to celebrate.

● Players range from grandmasters to local club players and include children.

● The event attracts local, national and international media coverage.

● The Congress incorporates separate tournaments including a 9-round Open event in which grandmasters compete, five-day events for the casual club player and a Weekend Congress. Entries number around 400 from upwards of 20 countries. This allows for a range of sponsorship opportunities, total or partial.

● The website www.hastingschess.com is active throughout the year and displays results and live games during the event attracting an international audience. The IT aspect of the event provides excellent promotional and merchandising opportunities for any sponsor.

● The event offers opportunities for corporate hospitality.

● Events carry the sponsor's name relative to level of sponsorship.

● We would be very happy to talk to any interested parties when we could provide more detailed information.

Find out more by contacting:

Pam Thomas
PR Officer, Hastings International Chess Congress
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: mobile 07817 446070 home 01424 445348
Tim Harding
Historian and FIDE Arbiter

Author of 'Steinitz in London,' British Chess Literature to 1914', 'Joseph Henry Blackburne: A Chess Biography', and 'Eminent Victorian Chess Players'
http://www.chessmail.com

Chris Rice
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Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2012 5:17 am

Re: Hastings Congress seeking sponsor

Post by Chris Rice » Tue May 28, 2019 5:54 pm

Oh dear well this isn't going to help then. Paul Smith was the Chairman of the organising committee and has just been jailed for two years. I would point out there is no suggestion he took any money from the tournament. Story here.

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JustinHorton
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Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2008 10:06 am
Location: Somewhere you're not

Re: Hastings Congress seeking sponsor

Post by JustinHorton » Tue May 28, 2019 10:13 pm

Awesome
"Do you play chess?"
"Yes, but I prefer a game with a better chance of cheating."

lostontime.blogspot.com

John McKenna

Re: Hastings Congress seeking sponsor

Post by John McKenna » Wed May 29, 2019 9:35 am

If the "Awesome", above, wasn't by Justin I'd say it would be open to interpretation.

However, knowing Justin's form as a crusading newshound, I'd say it means to him - yet another person of some prominence doing wrong and, in this instance, caught with his sticky fingers in the cookie jar.

(Correct me if that's a misinterpretation.)