Aquino, FIDE head invited to chess opening

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has been invited to be the special guest of honor during the formal opening of the first Florencio Campomanes Memorial chess championship scheduled Aug. 28-Sept. 3 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

President Aquino is expected to make the ceremonial moves along with FIDE president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov during the 3:30 p.m. opening ceremony.

Also expected to attend the formal opening ceremony are Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richie Garcia, National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, NCFP secretary-general Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino.