Originally Posted by
Eric Bopala
Dear Mr. Drkulec,
August 2009 proved to be an important moment in the history of the relations between CFC and FQE. At that particular time, a gentleman agreement was reached between the two organisations with the development of Canadian chess in mind. There were a few technical details to be worked out, but a document was designed to the satisfaction of both parties.
Before the project had taken shape, there were a lot of discussions between the presidents of both organisations with mutual respect. The two presidents considered that the agreement must contain some elements essential to generate enthusiasm for chess in Canada.Looking back on those ten years, one of the most rewarding aspects of the agreement, from our point of view, was the possibilities to held national events in Quebec capable of generating deep interest in the Canadian Chess community. An example was the Canadian Youth Chess Championship (CYCC) 2018 in Quebec city which produced a new record of participation with 365 players.
On the downside, we have to observe, unfortunately, that the services in French within the CFC have not improved a bit during those years. Canada has two official languages, English and French, but this is absolutely not reflected within the CFC.
Now, ten years later, we think that the time has come to redefine the agreement to take into consideration the many aspects of chess which have changed over those years, in particular chess on the internet.
We consider that a new agreement should take into account the following elements :
1) The carrying on of CFC and FIDE rated tournaments in Quebec in the interest of both CFC and FQE,
2) The participation of Quebec players in national chess events,
3) The possibility to hold the CYCC in Quebec every three or four years,
4) A financial support from the FQE to the CFC,
5) Accessible services to the CFC generated by the FQE,
6) The organization of international events,
7) The translation in French of the CFC web site,
8) A necessary coordination between CFC and FQE to obtain subsidies from the Canadian government.
9) Help from the FQE to obtain the recognition of Chess as a sport in Canada at different levels.
Looking forward to discuss these matters with the relevant stakeholders in the CFC,
Eric Guipi Bopala
Président de la Fédération québécoise des échecs
President of the Quebec Chess Federation
The Fédération québécoise des échecs (FQE) is a Non for profit association who is recognized by the Ministry of Education of the Government of Quebec. The FQE is the privileged body to intervene with the provincial government in the matter of chess development. It was founded in 1967 in Quebec city.