It was incredible. Review of the Season 2019-2020
Even though the 2019/2020 season ended a little earlier than planned (with the lockdown commencing on Monday 23 March), it was still one of the most successful years in the history of the Ulster Chess Union. Watch the 2 minute video of all the highlights over the past 10 months - and I am sure everyone will join me in a big thankyou to Brendan whos done so much this and previous years for UCU chess.
Watch the 2 minute video of all the highlights over the past 10 months:
Even though the 2019/2020 season ended a little earlier than planned (with the lockdown commencing on Monday 23 March), it was still one of the most successful years in the history of the Ulster Chess Union.
1). We held over 40 tournaments across Northern Ireland.
2). We reached out to new locations and new venues in four counties. A particular highlight was our blitz in Greenisland which attracted many new school pupils from Carrick Grammar.
3). We enjoyed an increase in newspaper coverage in County Antrim, Armagh and Down.
4). We tripled the number of players gaining a FIDE rating.
5). Eight volunteers joined the arbiter training course.
6). Combining leagues and tournaments, we had over 200 players compete in over-the-board chess.
7). We donated chess sets to 6 school clubs to help build chess enthusiasm from a young age.
8). We attracted lots of new children to the monthly youth rapidplays at Methodist College, Belfast.
9). Thanks to Danny Roberts, we received a record sponsorship for youth chess.
10). In April 2020, over 100 players competed across 6 online UCU events.
We definitely achieved so much over the past 10 months. Well done everyone!
Brendan Jamison
Ulster Chess Union Tournament Director & League Controller
Friday 24 April 2020
