44th Chess Olympiad
Mahabalipuram, Chennai, India
28 July - 9 August 2022


ACF Olympiad Appeal

A proud record

The biennial Chess Olympiad is one of the world's largest sporting events, and the premier teams event on the global chess calendar. The public health upheaval of the Covid-19 pandemic and the political upheaval in Belarus saw the 44th Olympiad of 2020 cancelled and the 2022 substitute shifted from Minsk to Moscow. The Russian invasion of Ukraine put paid to that, and fresh bids saw hosting of the event awarded to Chennai (formerly Madras), India.

Australia has performed remarkably well against the rest of the world. We have contested every Olympiad since 1968, our open team tying for 25th place (of 150) and our women tying for 32nd at the 2018 Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia.

Again this year Australia will be one of the expected 190 nations competing, fielding an open and a women's team (each five players plus captain) of our best available players, together with a Head of Delegation representing ACF at the FIDE Congress.

...but there's a catch

...the Australian nemesis, the tyranny of distance - Australia is a long way from just about anywhere. As the lead time shortens, air fares increase - typical full-service economy return fares are now $1439 from Sydney (Air India) and $1452 from Melbourne (Malaysia Airlines). Seasoned travellers or intrepid novices can gain significant savings carrying cabin-baggage only with budget airlines like Singapore's Scoot (flyscoot.com).

While other national teams receive government support, our teams must meet their own travel costs.

That's where you come in. The teams need your support to represent us. Please give what you can to the appeal.

All donations will be acknowledged here and in the ACF email bulletin. The Australian Chess Federation will match all donations dollar-for-dollar up to half of the total cost, leaving an estimated $8000 to be raised, including incidental costs such as FIDE registration and entry fees, uniform costs and single-room accommodation (for improved Covid safety).


 
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Aunix will donate $20 to the Appeal for every new sign-up to an Aunix mobile phone plan using the code OLYMPIAD