WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The Nauru Chess Federation (NCF) was first established in 2004 but only joined FIDE in 2016. So where is Nauru? Nauru is a small country in the Central Pacific and the only way to get there is by flight from Brisbane, Australia, Honiara, Solomon Islands or from Nadi, Fiji. The maps below give you an idea where Nauru is and how big the country is.

Where Nauru is from Australia. Map is from © www.climatestotravel.com

Map of Nauru and its Districts. Map is from © www.commons.wikimedia.org

So back in 2017, I went across to the small Pacific nation to learn the culture, a couple of Nauruan words, yes they have their own language, but more importantly to help promote chess on the island and to help establish them get some ratings. Here are some pictures of my trip to Nauru.

Players from Fiji playing in the rating tournament held in Nauru. © NCF

Jamie meeting family members of the former President of the Republic of Nauru, whom also was the founder of Nauru Chess Federation. © NCF

While meeting the family, I passed on wishes to them stating it was something that Ruben Kun wanted for Nauru to be represented in FIDE. Ruben actually submitted an application to FIDE back in 2004 but then it was later withdrawn. I do thank the NCF for arranging a visit to meet them.

Ricko Depaune (the President at the time) and I getting ready for an interview to help further promote the great sport of chess in Nauru. © NCF

One of the benefits with a small country is the news gets around quickly, so why not take an opportunity to promote chess in the media to attract more players to the sport we love.

Bauda is the only inland district in all of Nauru. © NCF

Welcome to Bauda in English but in Nauruan language Etōngin Katsimor. The literal meaning of Etōngin Katsimor is Enjoy or Rejoice.

So it is the only district that has a farewell sign too. © NCF

Farewell Bauda and in Nauruan Ar Baoen.

Bauda as the only inland district has the only lagoon in the country. © NCF

At a local cafe playing in a simul. I did lose a game and that perhaps reflects in the strength of players © NCF

One cannot help but admire the beach which is around the whole country. © NCF

An interesting fact about Nauru is the country is located 1 degree, 38 miles or 61 kilometres from Yaren, the de-facto capital of Nauru to the Equator.

Nauru’s international airport which is considered to be one of the smallest in the world. © NCF

Nauru Airlines aircraft that does all the flying between Australia and the central Pacific. © NCF

It is the plane trip where you get a feel for what to expect in Nauru and the culture. Nauru’s hospitality is amazing and is true to island life. This is what you experience on the trip to Nauru.

Of course this was only the beginning of something big for the island nation. They participated in their first Olympiad in Batumi which was a milestone because not only did they make the long journey there and back, but also managed to get a CM and an FM, the first ever Micronesians to do so. Here are some pictures of them at the Olympiad and some games of importance which created milestones for the nation.

Team Nauru having just arrived at Hotel Sanapiro in Batumi. Team spirit is high on their first international meeting. © NCF

This was their first match win against Antigua and Barbuda. This lead to bigger and better things for Nauru. © NCF

A good result to kick off the famous Bermuda Party. © NCF

Here are the four games from the historical first match win against Antigua and Barbuda.

We cannot forget about 2 players in the team who made another historical achievement for Nauru by achieving one Candidate Master (CM) and one FIDE Master (FM). Not only did they do this, but they became the first Micronesians to do so.

Nauru’s first Candidate Master (CM) Rene Dube.

Nauru’s first ever FIDE Master (FM) Ricko Depaune

Here are the games that got them their respective titles.

This small country is only onto bigger and better things. The Nauru Chess Federation would like to thank all of its sponsors and supporters of the Federation.

Any Grandmaster out there that wants to coach the Nauru Chess Federation at the next Olympiad should contact Mr. Ricko Depaune at his email address ricko.depaune@gmail.com

 Report and pictures are from the Nauru Chess Federation.