THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL CHESS TOURNAMENT IN INDJIJA OPENS

Belgrade, 11 March 2004 – HRH Crown Prince Alexander II officially opened the First International Chess Tournament in Indjija by choosing the King’s gambit, in the full theatre of the “Sokols’ Home”.

Beside the Crown Prince this important sport event was attended by His Grace Vasilije the Bishop of Srem, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Mr. Vojislav Mihailovic, HE Minister of Trade and Tourism Mr. Bojan Dimitrijevic, Ambassadors of Romania, Poland and Macedonia, the Mayor of Indjija Mr. Goran Jesic, representatives of the Roman Catholic and Ukraine Church, numerous media representatives and many admirers of the “Royal game”.

The ceremony began with the performance of the “St. Arsen” choir of the Cathedral Church in Sremski Karlovci conducted by Miss Ivana Kerkez, and then Mr. Ljuba Manasijevic, opera singer, sang “Vostani Serbie”. The first round of the Tournament then started. The Crown Prince escorted by his hosts took a tour of the “Sokols’ Home” that was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 2003.

The Mayor of Indjija Mr. Goran Jesic introduced the Crown Prince and distinguished guests to the development of the municipality and then a short film was presented, showing the reconstruction of “Sokols’ Home” which today is the center of all cultural activities.

HRH Crown Prince Alexander II accompanied by the hosts and the guests went to the monument to King Peter I in the nearby park, laid a wreath on it and paid respect to his great-grandfather.

The First International Chess Tournament in Indjija is going to last until 20 March and the patron of this international chess event is the Executive Council of the Autonomous Region of Vojvodina, and the organizers were assisted by many donors.