C31.8a & 8b Election Address – Malcolm Pein.pdf

The English Chess Federation is a not-for-profit company supporting The Chess Trust charity, registered in England and Wales, and affiliated to the Fédération Internationale des Échecs.

Malcolm Pein is representing the ECF at the Global Chess Festival in Budapest, and in his election address, he highlights the main achievements and challenges.

Achievements include a silver medal at the World Team Championships, England Over 65 team winning silver, and several new English IMs. England rose to 11th in the world rankings.

Pein has secured sponsorship, including £25,000 from Jupiter Asset Management and £20,000 to support the team in Kazakhstan.

Challenges include creating new GMs, supporting junior players, and replacing aging players. The Chess Trust's Accelerator initiative is helping to support young players.

The budget is being managed effectively, with expenditure slightly under budget, and the approved budget for the coming years will enable the ECF to field teams and support players.

FIDE matters include resolving issues with the Argentine Chess Federation and the staging of clandestine tournaments on the Falkland Islands. The new FIDE administration has instituted improvements, including reduced fees.

Pein thanks various individuals for their contributions, including GM Simon Williams, Pam Thomas, and Stewart Reuben, who helped secure new sponsorship for the Hastings congress.