68th AGM for Nairobi Chess Club

Chess Enthusiast and members of the NCC gathered together on 8th November for the Annual General Meeting(AGM)

The AGM was held in a spirited and engaging atmosphere, bringing together members to reflect on the year’s achievements, strengthen fellowship, and chart the way forward for the coming season.

The secretary – Leonard Maina commenced the meeting with the reading of the notice convening the session, officially marking the start of the day’s proceedings. Members then approved the minutes of the last AGM, held on 9th November 2024, confirming the accuracy of records and decisions made in the previous year.

Following this, attention turned to the club’s financial matters where the Treasurer – Kim Bhari read the auditors’ report on the financial statements for the year ending 31st August 2024, highlighting the association’s sound financial position and prudent management of resources. Members appreciated the transparency and accountability demonstrated by the treasurer and auditors alike.

The Executive Committee Report, Chairperson’s Report, and Financial Statements for the same period were then presented. The Chairperson – Nisha Bhavsar commended members for their continued support and active participation in club activities throughout the year. She also emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and maintaining the club’s reputation as a hub for strategic thinking and sportsmanship.

One of the highlights of the AGM was the election of new office bearers. Members exercised their voting rights, ushering in a renewed leadership team committed to promoting inclusivity, growth, and innovation in the club’s activities.

The election results were as follows:

Chairperson – Nisha Bhavsar
Vice Chairperson – Leonard Langat Maina
Treasurer – Kim Bhari
Secretary – Satya Shroff
Director of Play – Viacheslav Chvoro
Director of Online Play – Roberto Villeula
Committe Members:
Warren Pollock
Karan Christie
Adhoc committe members:
Mahonye Otieno
Caroline Njoroge

After the formal proceedings, members shifted gears to a more relaxed and social atmosphere. The event featured an exciting Tactical Team Chess match, where participants showcased their tactical prowess.
Team Peter ; Peter Gilruth, Philip Marcelius, Ian Masaa, Nisha Bhavsar, Satya Shroff (Black pieces)
Team Slav ; Viacheslav Chvoro, Leonard Maina, Tracy Korir, Warren Pollock, Jackim Arigi (White pieces)

* Team chess, is a game played by two teams, with typically 4–6 players on each team, on a single 8-by-8 classical chess board with a standard set of chess pieces, using standard chess playing rules, while control over the pieces is shared among the teammates who are not allowed to communicate with each other during the play other than via valid moves with each player taking turns to move a piece sequentially.

Black resigns.
The game was won by Team Slav.
https://lichess.org/L0Y1OOR5

Next, a game of Bughouse was played. This time however in team Slav, Ryan Kimani was substituted in for Warren.

A special highlight was the introduction of a lively chess variant known as Bughouse, which added a fun, fast-paced twist to traditional play and encouraged teamwork.
* Bughouse chess is a popular chess variant played on two chessboards by players in teams of two. Normal chess rules apply, except that captured pieces on one board are passed on to the teammate on the other board, who then has the option of putting these pieces on their board. The game is usually played at a fast time control. Together with the passing and dropping of pieces, this can make the game look chaotic to the casual onlooker, hence the name bughouse, which is slang for mental hospital.

This match-up was a draw as each team won over the other in the 2 bughouse matches.

The day concluded with a cookout, allowing members to unwind, share stories, and enjoy a meal together. A toast from Viacheslav Chvoro was raised in celebration of the club’s unity, growth, and the enduring spirit of the game of chess.

A toast from Slav

In closing, the AGM not only fulfilled its formal purpose but also reinforced the camaraderie and passion that continue to define the Chess Club Association. Members departed inspired, looking forward to another year of strategic challenges, learning, and fellowship over the chessboard.

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