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Greetings of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev

To the participants of the 39th Chess Olympiad and the 81st FIDE Congress Dear friends!

I am pleased to welcome you at the opening ceremony of the most important chess forum!

The representatives of 160 countries have arrived to Khanty-Mansiysk. The players will demonstrate their skill and strength of character in tense matches for the main team trophy in chess, while the delegates of national federations will discuss various working issues and elect the FIDE leadership for the next four years. The fact that Russia hosts such important events is another confirmation of high authority of our chess school.

I am confident that the results of the 39th Chess Olympiad and the 81st FIDE Congress will assist promotion of chess and create new contacts in sport as an important part of international cooperation. I wish you all success and best of luck.

Dmitry Medvedev
President of the Russian Federation

Greetings of the FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov

Dear chess friends!

On behalf of the World Chess Federation, let me warmly welcome the participants and guests to the 39 th Chess Olympiad and the 81 st FIDE Congress! In 2005, the Ugra region opened its doors for the first time to the Grand Masters of the world. Since then, many players have experienced the culture and kind hospitality of the people of this beautiful part of Siberia . Again the people of the Ugra region are ready to welcome all of you for the Chess Olympiad and Congress.

It is very important that such an important chess event is returning to Russia – the country with such a rich history of the sport. This team tournament, bringing together the strongest players in the world, is always a highlight in the calendar for participants, spectators and those that follow the games on the internet.

I am certain that the teams, representing different continents, cultures and religions, with professional and amateur players, will please us with their exciting battles and creative discoveries.

I wish all the participants of the Olympiad, inspiration, good fortune and splendid victories.

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov

Greetings of Governor of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Ugra

Dear participants and guests of World Chess Olympiad!

The Congress of the World Chess Federation delighted one of the largest oil producing regions of the world, when it awarded the 39 th Chess Olympiad to Ugra. Leading Grand Masters of the world will be challenging for the main prize of the tournament – the Golden Challenge Cup – when they meet at the chess table. Chess has become more and more popular among Ugorian people.

Khanty-Mansiysk hosted World Chess Cups in 2005, 2007 and 2009. The Chess Federation of Ugra is working actively. The okrug Internet Centre of chess mastership has been opened and World Governor Cups are held.

The Chess Olympiad 2010 will take place in the Tennis Centre. Everything necessary will be provided for the participants.

I wish the participants of the World Chess Olympiad success in achieving great results and in the creation of masterpieces on the chess board!

Natalya Komarova