I think it is important for a world champion or an ex world champion
to help promote the game around the world. The United States is the
perfect place to help promote this game. It was a great move by Kasparov's
foundation to make the United States part of the international chess
scene. The foundation sponsored the US women's team and paid for top class
training. This sponsorship will continue into the future. I recall how the
US women' soccer team winning the 1999 Women's World Cup help galvanized
women's soccer in the United States. Mia Hamm was the hero of the that
team. The 2004 US women's Olympiad team took home the silver medal at
Calvia. They exceeded expectations. US women now have 4 women chess heroes
to admire, namely GM Susan Polgar, WGM Anna Zatonskih, IM Irina Krush, and
WIM Jennifer Shahade. This sponsorship and the results of the team
could help jump start women's chess in the United States. The foundation
has also demonstrated that it can do more to develop chess in the
US.
Here is the mission statement of the Kasparov Foundation
"Founded by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, our mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children throughout the United States by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs.
The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle and high schools, both in the public and private school sectors.
"
This reporter hopes to see Kasparov get another shot to win back
his title. He deserves it.
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