Tragically I must pass on news of the death of Steve Sawaryn.  After his family, chess was one of Steve’s main passions. He could often be seen in action on the East coast congress circuit, plus trips to the Oban tournaments to indulge in the Royal Game. His quiet and impeccable conduct during a game, win, lose or draw, was respected by all his opponents. In recent years he took over the Presidency of the North East Junior Chess Association (NEJCA) and continued furtherance of the love of chess in local juniors. He was also responsible for organising the Scottish Girls event at Lathallan castle on behalf of Chess Scotland. He was also a key member of the Junior Home Board. He was an excellent organiser and presented an open and honest approach to everything he did  and this inspired both respect and loyalty from his support team. He was unflappable and never once raised his voice. A rock in what could sometimes be the maelstrom of junior chess! He was always ready to assist people struggling with difficulties in life and become a trusted confidante.
 
At 66 he had many years of active life before him, alternating between Aberdeenshire and Mallorca, where he and Maria had bought a second home a few years ago. Unfortunately, he was recently diagnosed with angina, following some struggles during hillwalking, and he died at home of heart failure.
 
Steve’s departure leaves a large hole in many lives, especially for Maria and his three children. There is also the loss to the Scottish chess community. His character  was described by one of his chess colleagues as kind, capable, diplomatic and enthusiastic. Not many of us would deserve such a fulsome epitaph, but he did!

I have added the links for Olympiad 2021 games here.
Division 4  -- Aug 20, 2021 - Aug 22, 2021
FIDE Online Chess Olympiad Division 4 2021 - Live Games - Chess.com
 
Division 3 --- Aug 27, 2021 - Aug 29, 2021
FIDE Online Chess Olympiad Division 3 2021 - Live Games - Chess.com
 
Division 2 --- Sep 2, 2021 - Sep 4, 2021
FIDE Online Chess Olympiad Division 2 2021 - Live Games - Chess.com
 
Division 1 --- Sep 8, 2021 - Sep 10, 2021
FIDE Online Chess Olympiad Division 1 2021 - Live Games - Chess.com

However - these links currently contain NO INFORMATION - they as simply bookmarks at this time - the organisers have not yet published further information

I will also post on the Website News page and will notify as soon as the data becomes available.

“The Lanarkshire AGM will be held on Wednesday September 1st  2021 at the layby Inn in Salisburgh commencing 7.30PM All current and new member clubs are most welcome. The is a prizegiving ceremony as well for the Winners of the two divisions (Stepps and Lanark).
 
As well as the resumption of the Over The Board league, there will be discussion about the possible creation of an online league to run concurrently.”

Who is chosen to play in the Olympiad?

Before I book my October holidays, I wonder what congress organisers are thinking about the chance of events happening this autumn/winter? e.g. Dundee, Oban etc.

Hi all

We have over the board chess this coming Saturday in Springburn Park courtesy of North Glasgow Homes from 12.00 to 3.00 PM

The link below provides details of the venue
https://glasgow.gov.uk/article/16595/Springburn-Park 

There will be two large boards as well as standard boards, sets, clocks etc although it would be appreciated if players bring their own . I will be bringing a few pieces of equipment. 
If anyone wishes any further details , please let me know

Ian

The Glorney Cup (online) starts today, but there seems to be a distinct lack of information about it, except for this on the ICU

https://www.icu.ie/events/1451

Best of luck to everyone involved.

David Eggleston has asked me to post details about a tournament he is running.

It will take place at the Northumberland Congress (24th to 26 September) and is for 6 (strong) players.  It will be 5 rounds aimed at players over 2300 and a £40 entry fee.

Further details from David dje567@hotmail.co.uk  

For details of the congress see:  https://northumberlandchess.wixsite.com/congress

Are Scotland sending teams abroad ?
European Senior Team Chess Championships 2021
--- 29th August – 8th September

Prague, Czech Republic

European Senior Chess Championships 2021
--- 25th September – 5th October
Budoni (Sardegna), Italy
European Senior Chess Championship 2021 – Official regulations (europechess.org)
 
European Team Chess Championship and European Women’s Team Chess Championship 2021
--- 11th-22nd November
Terme Olimia, Slovenia
EUROPEAN TEAM CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2021 – Official Regulations (europechess.org)

Hi Guys

I've had several requests to organise a National/Regional Online Chess League starting in September to augment any projected future return to OTB chess. So this will be run in a 4 team format . Please contact me at ian.brownlee@systemsit.co.uk for further details. Games will be played on the chess.com platform. We are ooking at adults and juniors, and will be played on a bi-weekly basis. I've also had the odd enquiry from outside the Scotland region.
Also it would be good if we could establish a league between the chess regions , say with six, eight or more boards. I would like to hear from regional chess leagues and amalgamated clubs and leagues if this is of interest

Ian