Dear chess friends, 

First of all, I would like to greet all of you on behalf of the European Chess Union 

and I have to say that I am very much honored that the European Youth Cup is 

organized in your country. Above all I should thank the Georgian Chess Federation and 

people who suggested the organization of this year’s edition of the competition.  

Last year the European Women’s Rapid & Blitz Championships were organized 

in the same place and we all know that all participants have wonderful impressions 

about the Championships. 

Georgia is a well-known country for its chess players. Many World Champions 

were born in your country, and one of them was even born in Kutaisi – GM Maia 

Chiburdanidze. I honestly hope that some of the young players at the competition will 

become European and World Champions some day. 

I would like to thank the Government of Georgia, Georgian Chess Federation 

and Imeretian Chess Federation and the general sponsor of the event - Socar 

Company for their support. People who are always ready to invest in the development 

of chess are very much appreciated. 

Finally and most importantly, I would like to wish all the competitors success, 

good results and above all the best of luck. 

Sincerely, 

Silvio Danailov 

ECU President