Dear participants and guests of the Tournament!

On behalf of the authorities of the International Chess Federation (Fédération Internationale Des Échecs) and the Presidential Board of FIDE let me express my welcome to the participants, guests and authorities of the 10^th World University Chess Championship!

I am especially pleased by the fact that such an important event in the life of the world of chess is going to take place in Kuzbass, the region which is famous not only for its industry, but also for its sports achievements and traditions. This once again stresses the highest standards of the Russian school of chess. It is also a great challenge for the authorities of the tournament.

I am convinced that the championship will meet the highest standards and is going to initiate a new period of promotion of the wisest game among university students and younger generation. This is, of course, due to the outmost efforts of the government of Kemerovo Region, Chess Federation, sponsor organizations, all those who love chess. But my biggest gratitude goes to my great friend and colleague Governor Amangeldy Moldagazyevich Tuleev without whose active support the success of the present competition is hardly imaginable.

I wish the participants may create lots of chess masterpieces during the tournament. And I would like everyone to have unforgettable impressions of this event. May the strongest win!

Gens Una Sumus! We Are All One Family!

Kirsan Ilumzhinov,

The president of FIDE