Playing chess can be beneficial for the mind, but if you’re good at it, it can also benefit the wallet.
The Chess Federation of Canada will hold its inaugural Collingwood chess tournament May 7-8 at Living Stone Resort. Brought to town by organizer and Collingwood resident Milan Somborac, this year’s event is planned to become an annual tournament, bringing competitors to Collingwood from across Canada.
Somborac was born in Belgrade, Serbia. He recalls that in Belgrade, chess is to the people there as hockey is to Canadians.
“They erect statues to chess champions,” he said. “It’s part of the culture there.”
Somborac says he has noticed over the years that chess culture isn’t as prominent in Canada, which is what led to his decision to do what he can to get a local tournament started. In the past, he says he taught a chess course at Georgian College, which led to the formation of a local chess club.
“Collingwood is a very attractive community. It has a high recognition factor for a community of its size. Everybody has heard of Collingwood,” he said. “If we have this as an annual festival, it will be yet another attraction of Collingwood.”
The Chess Federation of Canada (CFC), founded in 1872, is a registered non-profit organization whose mandate is to promote and encourage the knowledge, study and play of the game of chess. Celebrating 150 years in 2022, it is the national governing body for chess in Canada.
This year, Somborac has put up $3,000 of his own funds as prize money for the Collingwood tournament ($1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third), which he hopes will bring out masters and grandmasters this year and in future years.
He is also looking for sponsors to help fund the event over time.
“I’d like to create something that is going to keep on going,” he said.
A Chess Federation of Canada membership is required for any participants, and can be purchased when registering.
More information on all CFC events can be viewed here.
