AMERICA'S FOUNDATION FOR CHESS FINDS CO-SPONSOR FOR 2004 US CHESS
CHAMPIONSHIPS
San Diego's NTC Foundation's Promenade Centre Is New Home for the 2004
U.S. Chess Championship

SEATTLE, Wash. — (December 22, 2003) — America's Foundation for Chess
(AF4C) announces the NTC Foundation as its new partner for the annual
U.S. Chess Championships scheduled for the first two weeks in December
2004. The NTC Foundation in San Diego, Calif., will host this historic
national tournament at their new arts and cultural venue, Promenade
Centre. The winner will represent the United States at the World Chess
Championships.

This will be the fourth year that AF4C has hosted the annual
tournament – one of the oldest and most prestigious national titles in
the world - and its first year doing so with a co-sponsor. Expected to
maintain its record-breaking $250,000 prize fund, the 2004 U.S. Chess
Championships will be held over 11 days and will attract widespread
media attention from around the world. Chessmaster® will also return
as a 2004 corporate sponsor.

Event Offers Something for Chess Fan and Non-Chess Players Alike
The 2004 tournament will highlight not only the elite chess
competition, but also offer valuable educational activities sure to
make chess more accessible to the general public. Promoting chess as a
learning tool that is fun, engaging and available to people young and
old, novice or master, is another reason AF4C is seeking the large
public venue offered by NTC's Promenade Center.

"We are proud to welcome this high-profile, national tournament as one
of the Promenade Centre's inaugural events," said Murray Galinson,
chairman of the NTC Foundation Board of Directors. "AF4C and the
Foundation both understand the importance of bringing innovative
learning and education to the public." "AF4C has been looking for a
partner whose mission is aligned with ours: NTC supports creative
education and believes in the value the U.S. Chess Championships can
bring to the national expansion of the AF4C classroom chess
curriculum," said Erik J Anderson, president and co-founder of AF4C.

A community that embraces education and culture, San Diego is
enthusiastic about AF4C's relocation of the US Chess Championships.
President and CEO of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau
Reint Reinders explains, "Relocating this national event to San
Diego's Promenade Centre will give more chess enthusiasts access to
players and commentary. Those unfamiliar with the game will receive an
introduction to the value of chess in America. We are excited that
AF4C recognizes the potential that a co-sponsor such as the NTC
Foundation can have in drawing more attention to this elite event. San
Diego is thrilled to carry on the chess torch."

About NTC Foundation
The NTC Foundation, a private 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation, is
charged with the preservation and renovation of 26 historical
buildings that are part of the historic core of the former Naval
Training Center in San Diego, California. The Foundation is also
responsible for the creation of a civic, arts and cultural center
known as the Promenade Centre to occupy the renovated buildings. For
information, visit www.promenadecentre.org.

About America's Foundation for Chess
Founded on the hope of making chess a subject taught in every school
in the United States, AF4C, www.af4c.org a nonprofit organization, is
committed to making chess a larger part of America's cultural fabric —
accessible in schools and in popular culture. By organizing events
such as the U.S. Championships, AF4C hopes to elevate the profile of
chess in America so that it will soon become a regular part of every
child's classroom experience.

This is good news that they have finally decided on a venue, but still no
word as to the exact date, format, etc. of the event.

Also, on the AF4C website it states "State Champions: Two players will
qualify from an online tournament comprising of all 50 State Champions
(split into zones); this new event is to be organized in early 2004 in
conjunction with State Associations, the AF4C, the USCF and an Internet
partner. More information will be available later this year."

I contacted AF4C at the beginning of this month but still have not heard
anything. Only 10 more days for them to meet their "later this year"
promise. Our State Champion likes to plan his schedule and so now I'm
hoping that "early 2004" isn't too early.

Chris Bird
President, Nevada Chess - www.NevadaChess.org


"John Henderson" wrote in message
om...
AMERICA'S FOUNDATION FOR CHESS FINDS CO-SPONSOR FOR 2004 US CHESS
CHAMPIONSHIPS
San Diego's NTC Foundation's Promenade Centre Is New Home for the 2004
U.S. Chess Championship

SEATTLE, Wash. - (December 22, 2003) - America's Foundation for Chess
(AF4C) announces the NTC Foundation as its new partner for the annual
U.S. Chess Championships scheduled for the first two weeks in December
2004. The NTC Foundation in San Diego, Calif., will host this historic
national tournament at their new arts and cultural venue, Promenade
Centre. The winner will represent the United States at the World Chess
Championships.

This will be the fourth year that AF4C has hosted the annual
tournament - one of the oldest and most prestigious national titles in
the world - and its first year doing so with a co-sponsor. Expected to
maintain its record-breaking $250,000 prize fund, the 2004 U.S. Chess
Championships will be held over 11 days and will attract widespread
media attention from around the world. Chessmaster® will also return
as a 2004 corporate sponsor.

Event Offers Something for Chess Fan and Non-Chess Players Alike
The 2004 tournament will highlight not only the elite chess
competition, but also offer valuable educational activities sure to
make chess more accessible to the general public. Promoting chess as a
learning tool that is fun, engaging and available to people young and
old, novice or master, is another reason AF4C is seeking the large
public venue offered by NTC's Promenade Center.

"We are proud to welcome this high-profile, national tournament as one
of the Promenade Centre's inaugural events," said Murray Galinson,
chairman of the NTC Foundation Board of Directors. "AF4C and the
Foundation both understand the importance of bringing innovative
learning and education to the public." "AF4C has been looking for a
partner whose mission is aligned with ours: NTC supports creative
education and believes in the value the U.S. Chess Championships can
bring to the national expansion of the AF4C classroom chess
curriculum," said Erik J Anderson, president and co-founder of AF4C.

A community that embraces education and culture, San Diego is
enthusiastic about AF4C's relocation of the US Chess Championships.
President and CEO of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau
Reint Reinders explains, "Relocating this national event to San
Diego's Promenade Centre will give more chess enthusiasts access to
players and commentary. Those unfamiliar with the game will receive an
introduction to the value of chess in America. We are excited that
AF4C recognizes the potential that a co-sponsor such as the NTC
Foundation can have in drawing more attention to this elite event. San
Diego is thrilled to carry on the chess torch."

About NTC Foundation
The NTC Foundation, a private 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation, is
charged with the preservation and renovation of 26 historical
buildings that are part of the historic core of the former Naval
Training Center in San Diego, California. The Foundation is also
responsible for the creation of a civic, arts and cultural center
known as the Promenade Centre to occupy the renovated buildings. For
information, visit www.promenadecentre.org.

About America's Foundation for Chess
Founded on the hope of making chess a subject taught in every school
in the United States, AF4C, www.af4c.org a nonprofit organization, is
committed to making chess a larger part of America's cultural fabric -
accessible in schools and in popular culture. By organizing events
such as the U.S. Championships, AF4C hopes to elevate the profile of
chess in America so that it will soon become a regular part of every
child's classroom experience.

Good show NTC and AF4C.

RSHaas