I don't know too much about chess across the pond. I do know that they have a much easier time getting sponsors for events over there. Who in the US would sponsor chess?
Who sponsors it over there? Is it just sponsors who make money with chess, or does chess have a certain image that appeals to some sponsors? If you polled an American versus a European or Asian and asked "What are the main characteristics of a chess player?" would there be vastly different results?
Czech Republic :)
Most clubs here have a decent number of sponsors, about 70% of my club's income comes from sponsorships. The companies are pretty random: a gardening store, a building company. I think the actual reason for their sponsorship is not promotion, but simply putting their tax-deductible donation to a reasonable cause. So the donations being tax-deductible is the key factor.
Tournaments attract sponsors who are actually interested in promotion. I remember a few weeks back, Loreal sponsored a rapid tourney-the prize fund was excellent-a huge chunk of money for the first five places, and at least fifty shampoos and a carton of mascara for the rest! :D That was awesome, 'cause I was one of the few girls there so we each walked away with a good supply of cosmetics.
But I think the key factor here is the eagerness of municipal governments to offer playing venues for free. That's very common for youth tourneys-many are held at city halls, which greatly reduces the costs. Another common venue is the local school, which charges a small fee.
The last thing helping the scene here that it's common for small rapid tourneys (not like the Loreal one) to have a symbolic entry fee, and just a few bottles of alcohol and some chocolates and t-shirts for the prizes. So there's a lot of informal tourneys that are just about playing, not about a huge prize.
Hmm makesup sponsors for chess clubs and tournaments, that could draw a different audience.
Czech Republic :)
Most clubs here have a decent number of sponsors, about 70% of my club's income comes from sponsorships. The companies are pretty random: a gardening store, a building company. I think the actual reason for their sponsorship is not promotion, but simply putting their tax-deductible donation to a reasonable cause. So the donations being tax-deductible is the key factor.
Tournaments attract sponsors who are actually interested in promotion. I remember a few weeks back, Loreal sponsored a rapid tourney-the prize fund was excellent-a huge chunk of money for the first five places, and at least fifty shampoos and a carton of mascara for the rest! :D That was awesome, 'cause I was one of the few girls there so we each walked away with a good supply of cosmetics.
But I think the key factor here is the eagerness of municipal governments to offer playing venues for free. That's very common for youth tourneys-many are held at city halls, which greatly reduces the costs. Another common venue is the local school, which charges a small fee.
The last thing helping the scene here that it's common for small rapid tourneys (not like the Loreal one) to have a symbolic entry fee, and just a few bottles of alcohol and some chocolates and t-shirts for the prizes. So there's a lot of informal tourneys that are just about playing, not about a huge prize.
Great post!
bloody hell, pdela, where ??!! - only one in my locality got cancelled two years back - got any idea where I can find out about ' em? - I'm Costa Blanca - Moraira - halfway between Alicante an' Valencia
English chess is pretty limited, but where I live there is a good youth chess system, the few clubs there are are merging as numbers fall. :(
I think events are generally a lot cheaper though.
I think in the states schools should set aside a certain amount of time each year to dedicate to learning to play chess and a schoolwide tournement for each school. Every school, anyone can learn to play chess. ..pretty much anyone.
bloody hell, pdela, where ??!! - only one in my locality got cancelled two years back - got any idea where I can find out about ' em? - I'm Costa Blanca - Moraira - halfway between Alicante an' Valencia
Well, maybe all around it's much.
There are no tourneys in front of each one house :(
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I am curious how chess is funded and promoted in Europe. While I get across the ocean on occasion I don't investigate the details of chess. In the US it's not something that gets government support. Most local clubs get by on dues from it's members. Larger events can cost a few $100 to join plus expenses. Do clubs in Europe get government support? Who funds events, prize money etc?
Yes I realize things are probably different in every country so give specifics to your location :)