Open Chess Championship culminates in award ceremony

In an event filled with thundering applause, the Cyprus Open Chess Championship came to an end on Sunday with people of all ages receiving their awards in an enthusiastic ceremony.

After weeks of strategic games put to the test, the Freedom Finance Europe sponsored event co-organised with the Cyprus Chess Federation wrapped after 86 participants heard “checkmate”.

Criton Tornaritis, who heads the chess federation told the Cyprus Mail he was incredibly excited about the event. “This is the first year where chess in Cyprus has really started to grow.”

Pointing to the importance of sponsors, he underlined this gives more opportunities to attract more members and offer a slew of opportunities which were not possible in the past.

“We have more than 2,000 members at the moment.” They now have access to higher education scholarships should they make it to the top three spots and receive credits for state universities.

Evgeniy Tyapkin, Executive Director at Freedom Finance Europe said they were committed to supporting the sport “where competition is celebrated, and victories are achieved with open mind and strategic thinking”.

“In both chess and investments these are the qualities required to succeed,” he added.

In his own address, Limassol mayor Nicos Nicolaides said he was happy to see so many young people at the event.

“Chess may not have a lot of fans, but it is a respected sport. It cultivates the mind and protects children from digital distractions.”

Both Tornaritis and Nicolaides specified there are ongoing talks with the education ministry to introduce the sport in schools.

“In Limassol we will speak to district school boards, and we are very happy to help. There is an active chess community in the city,” Nicolaides shared with the Cyprus Mail.

With a recognition of the importance in the sport, Tyapkin underlined “chess is a universal game and an excellent platform for bringing people together”.

“We believe in supporting events that encourage strategic thinking and competition, providing a unique experience for both participants and the broader athletic community.”

Freedom Finance Europe has been actively involved in cultural events in Cyprus, such as the Freedom Celebrity Ballet Gala, which Tyapkin linked to the company’s broader philosophy.

“We see art and culture as integral components of a thriving community, especially in Cyprus, a country with rich historical and cultural heritage.

“We have an ambition of opening Cyprus to the world and showcasing our island’s richness to the international community and, by supporting such events, we aim to foster an environment where creativity, artistic excellence and the Cypriot cultural landscape can flourish.”