Chess Fever Sweeps Our Community: New Funding and Exciting Tournaments Ahead!
It’s official: chess is booming in our local community! Whether you’re a seasoned grandmaster or just starting to learn the moves, it’s an incredibly exciting time for the game of kings and queens, with new funding and upcoming events confirming its growing appeal.
A significant investment in Local Chess Facilities is fantastic news for local enthusiasts. Financial support has recently been approved for the Associação Filatélica e Numismática Gil Eanes in Lagos. This generous subsidy, totalling €10,861.61, is part of the PAD – Programa de Apoio ao Desporto 2024/2025, specifically under the “support for construction/maintenance and equipment” category.
This vital funding will be used to equip the association’s current space at Mercado de Santo Amaro, ensuring better conditions for the many practitioners of this rapidly expanding sport in our municipality. The improvements will include:
- New furniture, such as tables, chairs, cabinets, and a desk.
- Graphic materials to decorate the space.
- An awning to protect the training room.
This investment will undoubtedly provide an enhanced environment for chess players of all ages, helping to nurture the talent and passion that is clearly on the rise.
A Game for All Ages.
The marked growth of chess in the Lagos council is evident, with numerous enthusiasts of various ages regularly participating in tournaments at Mercado de Levante. The game’s popularity is also visible at major community events, including the Feira Concurso Arte Doce and the Feira do Livro de Lagos. This surge in interest highlights the inclusive and engaging nature of chess, bringing people together from across the community.
Get Ready for the XII Fatacil Chess Tournament!
Adding to the excitement, mark your calendars for the upcoming XII Fatacil Chess Tournament – City of Lagoa – Memorial Armando Lopes 2025. This annual event, whose first edition took place way back on 19 August 1995, continues to be a highlight for chess players.
This year’s tournament is scheduled for Friday, 30th August, at the familiar venue of FATACIL – Fair of Handicrafts, Tourism, Agriculture, Commerce and Industry of Lagoa. The play will kick off at 14:00, running until 17:25, with a break between 15:30 and 16:05. The eagerly anticipated prize-giving ceremony will be held at the Municipality Stand, starting around 18:45.
For those looking to participate, players should arrive at the tournament venue from 13:00 and ensure their registration status is checked with the event management/referee by 13:50. Under-18s are welcome and may be accompanied by up to two adults, who must also be registered at the time of player registration. Everyone is asked to be present at least 15 minutes before the tournament begins.
This is a fantastic opportunity to test your skills, meet fellow chess lovers, and celebrate the game. As the organisers say, “Let’s Make Chess a Party!”. Come and be part of this vibrant community!
