Sunday, 21 September 2008

The Congress got underway in the beautiful Municipal Hall of Pleven, Bulgaria. Various welcoming speeches were made by:-

Petyo Marinov (Bulgarian CC), George Sapundjiev (Bulgarian delegate), Lyobomir Petkov (President,Bulgarian CC), Mrs Vessala Lecheva (Bulgarian Sports Minister), Tzvetko Tzvetkov (Pleven Governor) and Alan Borwell (Chairman).

We were then entertained by a group of young female singers before the Congress business got underway. Around 40 delegates are present with apologies received from the ICCF President Med Samraoui. In his absence, Alan Borwell will chair the Congress.

Minutes of 2007 Congress were approved.

A number of member federations are in arrears with payment of membership fees. They have been given until 31/12/08 to pay all fees or the sanctions decided by the 2004 Congress will be fully implemented.

World Correspondence Chess Championship Trophies were presented to national delegates in respect of C.Leotard (19th World Champion) and J van Oosterom (21st World Champion). Mrs Olga Sukhareva of Russia collected her trophy in person as the Ladies 7th World Champion.

Bertl von Massow awards were presented as follows:-

Gold and Silver - G Sapundjiev (Bul)

Gold - G Binder (Ger), J Bohak (Slo), E Liebert (Est), M Manduch (Svk), P Polakovic (Svk), A Rawlings (Eng), M Rotova (Est).

Silver - M Rocius (Ltu), J-P Dondelinger (Bel), L Madonia (Ita), H Onoda (Jap), G Bendana (Nca)

Financial Accounts for the Year ended 31/12/07 approved.

Soren Peschardt was elected as Finance Director and Eric Ruch as Marketing Director. Ron Langeveld was appointed Qualifications Commissioner. The new Finance Director promised a tough line in respect that all federations must pay their fees promptly.

The new Finance Director Soren Peschardt!

Michael Millstone delivered a glowing report on the continuing success of the Direct Entry system with the number of entries progressively rising. The advantages of Direct Entry were restated and all federations encouraged to participate.

The afternoon was devoted to a discussion session on the World Championship cycle. Significant progress was made and decisions will follow on Wednesday.

The day was rounded off by the opening banquet at a local restaurant called "The Cave" where dancers entertained us.

Alan Borwell presented Bertl von Massow awards to George Sapundjiev.

Mrs Olga Sukhareva (Russia) - 7th Ladies World Champion.

Your reporters! Neil Limbert (left) and Andrew Dearnley.

American Football fans! Andrew Dearnley, Raymond Boger and
Soren Peschardt looking forward to watching the football game.