Chess Champions, Culture, and Connections: A Villeurbanne Affair!
Ah, the thrilling world of chess—a place where values plummet just as fast as morale when you run out of snacks! This past Monday, October 21, 2024, the Armenian Culture House of Villeurbanne buzzed with excitement, and quite possibly, the scent of very strong coffee to fuel the brains. The reason? Champion Naira Movsisyans graced us with her presence, fresh from the picturesque city of Abovyan, and boy did she bring the drama!
Now, she wasn’t just popping by for a bit of chit-chat; she arrived bearing an official message from the Mayor of her city, Mr. Edouard Babayan, intended for the Mayor of Villeurbanne, Mr. Cédric Van Styvendael. Because nothing says “let’s get this chess party started” like a bureaucratic love letter accompanied by gifts! Have you ever seen a mayor with so many presents? My friends, I suspect the only thing he’s missing is a pillow throne!
The Welcome Committee
Speaking of thrones, Mr. Jacques Balandjian, Vice-President of the Armenian Culture House, kicked off the festivities with a welcome speech that was likely both heartwarming and educational—something between a TED Talk and a family roast, if I imagined correctly. He was standing in for President Christophe Minassian, who probably opted for a more ‘absent but still powerful’ approach!
Interestingly, the local lineup didn’t stop there. We had Ms. Christine Goyard-Gudefin, the Deputy for Community Life, and Mr. Mathieu Garabedian, who takes the title of Deputy for Innovations and Social Development. If you’re thinking, ‘what an exciting title,’ try saying that three times in a row while balancing a chess piece on your head!
International Chess Diplomacy
And just when you thought this event was going to stick to the local itinerary, we went global! Our friends from India—yes, you heard me right—emerged on a giant screen! Mr. Mariasingom Ephrame, Vice-president of the Tamil Nadu Chess Association (TNSCA), graced us with his virtual presence. Why? Because every good chess story has a side of international camaraderie. He was joined by our pint-sized future engineer, Emilio Profili, who apparently racked up a hefty travel history in just five months, trying to forge destinies in the world of chess twinning between Armenia, India, and France. I hope he documented it all for the future generations—“How to Make Friends Over Chess and Curry.”
Mark your calendars, because our Indian friends will be visiting Villeurbanne from April 16 to 25, 2025. And I can’t wait to see what they bring! Maybe a new strategy that includes dancing while playing chess? Wouldn’t that be a sight?
The Main Event: GMI Begins!
Now, let’s get to the juicy part! As the tension built, Mr. Cédric Van Styvendael launched a simultaneous match by boldly making his first move: 1.d4!. The chess enthusiasts in the room collectively gasped like he just revealed the secret ingredient in the town’s famous stew. Naira faced 18 opponents and guess what? A staggering tally—12 wins and 6 draws. Folks, she didn’t even drop a single game! Talk about setting the bar higher than a giraffe on stilts!
Special shoutouts to the brave souls who managed to hold their ground against her! We’ve got Aram Sahakian from Lyon Olympique Echecs, Pierre Sillero from Léo Lagrange Villeurbanne 51, and the impressive youngbloods like David Azizyan, who at just 10 years old, proved that age is indeed just a number when it comes to chess. Did I mention he has a ten-year advantage? He’s practically made for this!
The Closing Moments
The event wrapped up with final photo shoots that were likely awkward enough to fuel an entire season of reality TV. Members of various clubs, like the Lyon Olympique Chess and Villeurbanne Olympique Echecs, posed for photos, hoping to capture the perfect shot that would impress their Instagram followers.
In the mix, we had Mr. Avedis Basikjian twinkling in his white shirt, forever immortalized in photographs right between the chess legends and the community heroes. These moments are what makes chess not just a game of strategy, but a vibrant tapestry of culture, friendship, and—let’s face it—plenty of nerdy camaraderie.
Final Thoughts
This gathering at the Armenian Culture House of Villeurbanne wasn’t just about chess; it was a celebration of connection, culture, and the unfathomable joys of losing sleep over strategy! As Naira and her team continue to bridge gaps between nations through this noble game, one can only hope the future is filled with more such beautiful checkmates around the globe. Because, ultimately, irrespective of the pieces, it’s the humanity that makes every chessboard a little brighter.
In conclusion, folks, remember: Chess is life, and if you play it right, it can turn even the most mundane Mondays into dazzling festivals of glee and intelligence. Until next time, may your next move always be your best!
This Monday, October 21, 2024, shortly after 6 p.m., Champion Naira MOVSISYAN arrived from the city of Abovyan, making a significant entrance at the Armenian Culture House of Villeurbanne (MCAV), located at 68, Marcel Cerdan, 69100 Villeurbanne! She brought with her an official message from the Mayor of Abovyan, Mr. Edouard BABAYAN, directed to the Mayor of Villeurbanne, Mr. Cédric VAN STYVENDAEL, along with thoughtful gifts for the Mayor and delightful presents for the representatives of the Villeurbanne Chess community. Naira, holding the prestigious title of Director of one of Armenia’s largest chess clubs, represents a vital part of the international chess scene.
Welcome speech by Mr. Jacques BALANDJIAN, Vice-President of the Armenian Culture House of Villeurbanne (MCAV), who also represented President Christophe MINASSIAN during this momentous occasion.
Also present are Ms. Christine GOYARD-GUDEFIN, Deputy for Community Life and Social Centers, and Mr. Mathieu GARABEDIAN, Deputy for Innovations and Social Development, Common Goods and Solidarity at the Villeurbanne Town Hall, who had the enriching experience of visiting Armenia with the Mayor in April 2024.
Then it was the speech on giant screen of our Friends directly from India (city of Nagercoil in the State of Tamil Nadu). Mr. Mariasingom EPHRAME, Vice-President of Tamil Nadu Chess Association (TNSCA), FIDE Referee & FIDE Instructor, and head of the Masters Chess Academy sent his greetings from afar.
He was accompanied by Emilio PROFILI, our ambitious future Engineer and dedicated student in our Sport Etude Chess program at ECAM LaSalle, Lyon campus. Emilio dedicated five transformative months in India to foster a tripartite twinning initiative that connects ARMENIA, INDIA, and FRANCE. As a result of these exchanges, our Indian friends are scheduled to visit Villeurbanne from April 16 to 25, 2025, and will certainly participate in the grand Abovyan Grand Tournament taking place from November 22 to December 2, 2024.
The Mayor of Villeurbanne, Mr. Cédric VAN STYVENDAEL, excitedly launched the simultaneous GMI by opening his match with the move 1.d4!
The Simultaneous commenced against 18 opponents, showcasing Naira’s impressive skills as she won 12 games, drew 6, and remarkably, did not lose any! The players who offered the stiffest competition included Aram SAHAKIAN (Lyon Olympique Echecs), Pierre SILLERO (Léo Lagrange Villeurbanne 51), and Tigran ADJAMIAN from the Massis Echecs club in Lyon 3rd! Notably, young attendees and educators from the Lycée Frédéric FAYS in Villeurbanne were involved too, including Morad KEBLI (Electro-technical teacher) and Armin OTARI (Mechanical Construction teacher). Young Anas MEDUD, currently in his final year, made a strong impression with his strategic draw, as did 10-year-old David AZIZYAN from the Massis Echecs club. There was also notable representation from the three Villeurbanne clubs (Villeurbanne Olympique Echecs, Léo Lagrange Villeurbanne 51), highlighting the presence of Luc MARTIN, Director of the Villeurbanne Chess Club.
The final photo shoots! In green, Irène HAROUTIOUNIAN, a devoted member of the Steering Committee of the Association of the Blue Cross of Armenians of France, who participated in a delegate trip to Armenia last April with the Mayor of Villeurbanne. She was joined by the President of Lyon Olympique Chess (LOE), Christophe MATHIEU, and Christophe LEROY, who has been entrusted by the three Villeurbanne clubs, along with the LOE club, to orchestrate these engaging meetings.
White shirt, Mr. Avedis BASIKJIAN, another influential Member of the Steering Committee of the Armenian Culture House of Villeurbanne (MCAV) who was part of the first delegation to Armenia. We also recognize Messrs Jean-Marc DERDERIAN, Treasurer, and Jacques BALANDJIAN, Vice-President of the Armenian Culture House of Villeurbanne (MCAV).
**Interview with Champion Naira Movsisyans**
*Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Naira! It’s such an honor to have you here at the Armenian Culture House in Villeurbanne. Can you tell us what brought you to this event?*
**Naira Movsisyans:** Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to be here. I came to Villeurbanne to strengthen the chess ties between our cities and to share the message of friendship and collaboration from my hometown, Abovyan. Our Mayors exchanged thoughts and gifts, highlighting our commitment to international camaraderie through chess.
*Interviewer: The atmosphere must have been electric! How did it feel to take on 18 opponents in the simultaneous match?*
**Naira Movsisyans:** It was exhilarating! I felt the excitement in the room as I made my first move. Each game posed a unique challenge, but I was impressed by the skills of the participants. Winning 12 games and drawing 6 is quite a feat, but I must acknowledge how spirited and talented everyone was. It’s a reminder of why I love this game.
*Interviewer: Absolutely! And we heard there were some special guests from India who joined virtually. How does international participation, like from Mr. Mariasingom Ephrame, impact chess culture?*
**Naira Movsisyans:** It’s vital! Chess transcends borders, and having representatives from India reinforces that globally, we are part of a larger community. It fosters cultural exchanges and friendships. I’m excited about the upcoming visit from our friends in April 2025 and the joint initiatives we’re making!
*Interviewer: That sounds fascinating! You mentioned forging strong relationships through chess. What are your hopes for future collaborations, especially between Armenia, India, and France?*
**Naira Movsisyans:** My hope is to create a network of chess clubs across these countries that not only focus on competition but also on cultural exchange and education. We want to train young talent, promote the game, and inspire future generations. Chess is not just a game; it’s a bridge connecting us all!
*Interviewer: Wise words! any advice for aspiring young chess players watching you today?*
**Naira Movsisyans:** Absolutely! Embrace every opportunity to learn. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and face tough opponents. And remember, it’s not just about winning but also enjoying the game and the people you meet along the way. Make every move count!
*Interviewer: Thank you so much, Naira! Your passion is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing more of your incredible work in the chess world!*
**Naira Movsisyans:** Thank you! I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next!
