Lewis Chessmen Unmasked: Junior Chess Competition
18 February 2011
Shetland chess players are being invited to take part in a special chess competition at Shetland Museum and Archives, in association with The Lewis Chessmen: Unmasked exhibition.
Brian Inkster is delighted that Inksters are sponsoring the event given his background as a Shetland Junior Chess Player: Brian was the joint Scottish under 17 Chess Champion in 1982.
The exhibition, which runs in Da Gadderie until 27th March has been very popular with visitors. The gaming tables within the exhibition and the giant chess board in the foyer area have been well used by the daily crowd of visitors, prompting the launch of an official chess competition.
There will be two tournaments held in the Shetland Museum and Archives auditorium. The first, for Juniors, will be on Saturday 12th March from 1.00pm to 5.00pm and players from Primary 6 to Secondary 4 will be eligible. This event is sponsored by Inksters with a specially commissioned trophy for the winner. Prizes will be awarded on the day to first, second and third place winners. First prize will be the Inksters Solicitors trophy and £60.00. Second prize is £30.00 cash and £15.00 will be awarded for third place.
The Senior competition will be held the following week on Saturday 19th March from 10.00am to 5.00pm and players from the age of 15 are invited to take part. The Senior tournament is sponsored by The Kildrummy Corporation which will provide £150.00 as first prize, in addition to a full replica set of Lewis Chessmen donated by Shetland Amenity Trust. Second prize will be £50.00, and £25.00 for third place. There will be a £10 entry fee for this competition.
Irving Finkel, Assistant Keeper of the Middle East Department at the British Museum was in Shetland on Thursday 17th February to deliver a lecture on the Lewis Chessmen, and promote the launch of the chess competitions.
Shetland Amenity Trust Marketing Officer Emma Miller said “We have had such a great response from the public to the Lewis Chessmen exhibition. It’s been so popular and the giant chess set in the foyer has been a real hit. There are plenty of good players out there so we are looking forward to two great tournaments. Inksters Solicitors and The Kildrummy Corporation who are sponsoring the events have been really supportive, and we are very grateful for their input.”
The gaming tables and giant chess set are available during museum opening hours for visitors to practice their chess moves. A range of Lewis Chessmen merchandise is available in the gift shop to compliment the popular exhibition, including a full set of replica Chessmen.
Organisers expect demand for places in both competitions to be high. Booking lines for the events will open at 10.00am on Monday 21st February. Call 01595 741562 to book a place – full details including entry rules can be found on the Shetland Museum and Archives website: Junior Chess Competition & Senior Chess Competition.
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