The cooperation between the Turkish Chess Federation and Başkent University continues in its fourth year with the protocol signed today. Within the scope of cooperation protocol; Başkent University International Open Chess Tournament, High School Chess Tournament and National Team camps will continue to be organized in 2019 with the support provided by Başkent University.
The signing ceremony of the cooperation protocol between the Turkish Chess Federation and Başkent University was held at Başkent University on January 15th, 2019. The ceremony was realized with the participation of Başkent University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Haberal, Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Haberal, The President of the Turkish Chess Federation Gülkız Tulay, Board Member WIM Nilüfer Çınar Çorlulu, Başkent University Director of the Center for Education and Consultancy Services (BEDAM) Prof. Dr. Ali Halıcı, TCF Secretary General M. Sedat Fırat, TCF Ankara Provincial Representative Engin Güleç, trainer Aylin İbişoğlu, Baskent University chess team players and teachers.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, BEDAM Director Prof. Dr. Ali Halıcı stated that they would hold the fourth of the Başkent University Open Chess Tournament this year, but their excitement was as fresh as the first day. Stating that they would make the tournament more qualified in terms of the number and strength of the athletes in 2019, Halıcı also heralded that they would sign a very special project that would introduce children to the sport of chess in the coming period.
On the other hand, starting his speech by stating that they were very pleased with their cooperation with TCF, Prof. Dr. Ali Haberal said: “We are holding one of the most comprehensive organizations in our country with TCF. Continuity is very important for the success of this cooperation. We all know very well how important chess is and how successful it is in our country. I congratulate TCF President Tulay, who has made a very important contribution to this success and she has recently been elected as the best Federation President. It is very important for both a branch of amateur sports and a female manager to achieve this success. I wish that our cooperation will beneficial and continuous for both parties.”
Next, TCF President Gülkız Tulay came to the podium and stated that they started an extremely valuable journey with Başkent University three years ago. She added: “Today, we maintain an exemplary cooperation with Başkent University, which is one of the most important educational institutions of our country. Our university, our founding rector and our present rector give chess the value it deserves. AS TCF, we organize not only open chess tournaments but also inter-high school team chess championships and national team camps with our university. I would like to thank the BEDAM team for successfully hosting these three organizations for many years. I hope the name Başkent University and TCF will be mentioned together for many years, because we are proud of it.”
The founding rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Haberal said: “It is our common duty to commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades in arms who entrusted us with this country at all times and under all circumstances, and to proudly fly our Turkish flag all over the world. There is no shortcoming for our country’s athletes to achieve international success. We are trying our best to support them. Our cooperation with the TCF will continue and we will continue to develop our country with the power of reason.” The founding rector M. Haberal concluded his speech by thanking TCF President Gülkız Tulay and her team.
After the speeches, the presentation of gifts took place. The protocol ceremony ended with cake cutting.