FILIPINO CHESS MASTERS ORGANIZATION LAUNCHED IN ROME  

19 March 2007 – Philippine Ambassador to Italy Philippe J. Lhuillier reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Filipino Chess Masters Organization (FCMO) was launched on 11 March 2007 in Rome for Filipinos based in the area, which was immediately followed by the 1^st Invitational Open Chess Tournament for Filipinos.  

A brainchild of Ambassador Lhuillier and former national player and Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) Master Virgilio Vuelban, the FCMO is aimed at promoting the game of chess to all Filipinos in Italy.   

The FCMO hopes to gain membership in the Philippine Chess Federation to enable Filipino players in Italy to join the Philippine contingent to international chess tournaments in Europe .  The FCMO also expects to act as an umbrella organization for all Filipino chess clubs in Italy .  

At the same occasion, “The Search for Filipino Chess Master” 1^st Invitational Open Chess Tournament for Filipinos residing in Italy was held at the Embassy to promote camaraderie and reach out to Filipinos throughout Italy .  A total of 28 children and 16 adults participated in the chess tournament, which lasted for five and seven rounds respectively.  The tournament will be a monthly contest among Filipinos to help them realize their potential and skills in chess.  

Ambassador Lhuillier donated 20 sets of chess paraphernalia and digital clocks. Aside from trophies, the Ambassador also gave cash prizes for the tournament winners. Vuelban shared his talents and time to the management, coordination and promotion of the chess game among Filipinos.  

“There seems to be many Filipinos here who are excellent chess players,” Ambassador Lhuillier noted. He also expressed hope that the FCMO and the Chess Tournament could be “a venue for them to be recognized.” “If one player here in this contest makes it to the big league, I believe it is money well spent,” Ambassador Lhuillier noted.  

Vuelban said that the tournament is a good start for Filipinos. “Can you imagine how difficult it is for a Filipino to participate in an international chess competition? Here in Italy , as well as in Europe , international competitions are held every month and it is so easy to take the train.”  He also hoped that the Ambassador will continue to support the endeavor because he believes that “one day, a Filipino in Italy will make it big in the international chess scene.” END

/jay

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