Centennial chess exhibition in favor of Alzheimer's disease
The II International Solidarity Tournament organized by the CIMA of the University of Navarra brought together veterans over 90 years of age with young promises of 5 years of age.
More than 300 fans of all ages gathered at quotation in Pamplona to participate in the II International Solidarity Tournament in favor of Alzheimer's disease, organized by the research center Applied Medicine (CIMA) of the University of Navarra.
The event began with an intergenerational exhibition between the oldest players (Joan Codina, 96, from Moià, Barcelona; Manuel Álvarez, 95, from Madrid; and Juan Codina, 94, from Tauste, Zaragoza), who faced three promising young players (Leyre Abrisqueta, 12, European runner-up, from Pamplona; Javier Habans, 9, Spanish U8 and U10 champion, from Pamplona; and the tournament's youngest player Gerard Piñol, 5, from Mollerusa, Lleida). Between all of them they overcame more than 300 years of chess fondness.
At almost 97 years old (he turns 97 in September) Joan Codina was the oldest player of the event. "At my age I no longer leave my village but when they told me about this charity tournament for the research of Alzheimer's disease I felt I had to come". With an enviable report "el tiet", as he is called in Moià, assures that "I don't know if it prevents this disease so hard but of course financial aid to keep you up to date". Joan plays chess every day for two hours, from 3 to 5 in the afternoon. "I don't play so much to win as to pass the time. In fact, sometimes 'some absent-mindedness' makes me lose the game', he admits with a smile. "What I like most is the camaraderie that exists in this hobby. And it has made me especially excited to meet other veteran players, like Manolo and Juan, and these young promises. The future of chess is guaranteed", says Joan Codina.
Grandmaster Michael Oratovsky tournament champion The Israeli Michael Oratovsky, Grand Master of the Aragonese Federation El Olivar, was proclaimed champion of the II International Solidarity Tournament organized by the CIMA, in partnership with the Spanish Confederation of Alzheimer (CEAFA), the association of Relatives of Alzheimer's Disease of Navarra (AFAN), the Spanish Chess Federation and the Navarra Chess Federation.