Chessfest a success!

Photo by Egidijus Zeromskis.

Chess for everyone!

The first annual Harbourfront Centre Chessfest presented by Scotiabank took place on Sunday June 15, 2014.

Beautiful weather, a strong blitz tournament, a great team of volunteers, and all kinds of players, old and young, made for a great event. Thanks to all who attended.

Kids and families loved getting into the game at Chessfest, at the same time as our top national players clashed in one of the strongest blitz tournaments this city has ever seen. It was truly inspiring to see chess so enjoyed at all levels of the game.

Hal Bond, Canada’s FIDE representative, loved the way Chessfest celebrated “chess as a family activity.” He praised the event for “helping chess advance a little deeper into the consciousness of the general public.”

Hans Jung, the blindfold master, described the event as “a terrific time” and “the best combined birthday and Father’s Day present” he’s ever had.

Chessfest at Harbourfront Centre is returning this year on Saturday-Sunday June 20-21, 2015. See the Chessfest page for details.