Manasota Chess Center, the new community hub for in-person chess, in collaboration with the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota, will hold an online international chess match against the Tel Mond, Israel Chess Club. Tel Mond, Israel is one of Sarasota’s international Sister Cities.
The May 28th online match includes a diverse mix of six players from the Sarasota area who will compete against six players from Tel Mond, Israel. Players will be matched based on their skill/rating levels to ensure games are competitive. Each player will compete in two games against the same opponent. Games will be streamed online for viewing on Twitch.
Sarasota City’s Mayor, Erik Arroyo, a chess enthusiast himself, will be one of the six players for the Sarasota team. “I’m thrilled to play in this event and support the community and international efforts of both the Manasota Chess Center and the Sister Cities Association,” said Mayor Arroyo. “While chess is a game, it also serves as a great way to connect people from different countries, races, religions, genders, ages, and social-economic backgrounds. From my own experience playing chess, I have found that the competition over the board translates into long-lasting friendships. Hopefully, the match will further grow and strengthen the already established friendships between Sarasota and our sister city in Tel Mond, Israel.” Miriam Kramer, President of Sister Cities Association of Sarasota, added “When chess players are introduced to each other across the miles, they see each other possessing similar goals, hopes, and interests. We promote bridges of peace and international understanding through such healthy competitions and mutual cultural activities with all our Sister Cities around the globe.
In addition to Mayor Arroyo and National Master Scott Ramer, other players on the Sarasota team reflect a diverse mix of ages, genders, and skill levels.
“The Manasota Chess Center is proud to work with the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota and the Tel Mond Chess Club to support this unique international competition.” said Nicholas Lewis, Executive Director of the Manasota Chess Center. “The opportunity for our local chess members to complete against players from another country aligns with our mission to provide an environment for players of all levels to learn, compete, and connect.”
Additional Resources
About the Chess Match Organizers
Manasota Chess Center
The Manasota Chess Center (MCC), a non-profit organization and US Chess Federation (USCF) Silver Affiliate, began operations on June 6, 2021. With its unique dedicated-space location at the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, coupled with the scope of its chess offerings, the MCC serves as a chess community hub for Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. The MCC is the only USCF affiliate in the Sarasota metro area, and one of only 16 Silver level affiliates nationwide.
The range of chess activities at the MCC includes in-person match play and tournaments, as well as coaching options, in a safe and permanent building. Group classes, study groups, and lectures are core to the MCC’s mission, and players of all levels can attend them to work on their game. Chess training and advisory staff includes experienced USCF certified coaches, including International Chess Federation (FIDE) Grandmasters.
Whether you are a chess professional, a scholastic student, adult, senior citizen, or you are looking to learn how to play for the first time, the MCC offers an environment for chess where it is possible to learn, compete, and connect.
Sister Cities Association of Sarasota
The mission of the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota (SCAS) is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation—one individual, one community at a time. SCAS currently features six Sister Cities (Dunfermline, Scotland; Merida, Mexico; Perpignan, France; Tel Mond, Israel; Xiamen (Siming District), China; and Vladimir, Russia (currently suspended). It also features two Friendship Cities: Busseto, Italy; and Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland. SCAS fosters international relationships between Sarasota and our Friendship and Sister Cities overseas by creating exchanges in the areas of culture, education, tourism, business, and sports, among others.
SCAS is an all-volunteer citizen diplomacy organization. We believe that all people can help create understanding between nations and promote world peace. Each year, more than one hundred local citizen diplomats from our Cultural Coast travel to our sister cities in the name of friendship, world peace, and global prosperity. A like number of citizens from our international sister cities visit Sarasota.
Contacts
Miriam Kramer, President, Sister Cities Association of Sarasota
mrkramer@hotmail.com, 571-332-1191
Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz, Tel Mond City Director/Vice President of Cities
jrkatz@aol.com, 941-993-4026
Nicholas Lewis, Executive Director, Manasota Chess Center
manasotachesscenter@gmail.com, 941-313-5589
Bob Bernstein, Marketing Director, Manasota Chess Center,
bbernstein.usa@gmail.com, 703-989-3198
Christina Wollenberg, Administrative Assistant to Sarasota Mayor Erik Arroyo
christina.wollenberg@sarasotaFL.gov, 941-263-6675
Moshe Katzir, Coach for Tel Mond Israel Chess Club & FIDE Trainer
masterchess@partner.net.il, 011-972-556801169