Dear Participants, Trainers and Chaperones,

An organisation of big sports events involves devoting a great deal of effort so that the event should proceed smoothly in a great atmosphere and the participants leave the venue with the feeling of a beautiful and long-lasting experience. As the organisers of the European Blitz and Rapid Chess Championship 2021, we have to take care of the life and health of the participants, all people involved and their families.

Owing to the present situation, a document aiming at reducing the spread of the SARS- CoV-2 virus has been prepared. The requirements which have been imposed on us are the result of the standards enforced on the organisers of events under the aegis of ECU. The standards necessitate presenting an EU COVID Certificate or a negative result of a Covid-19 test done by the participant before the tournament.

We have not published the document due to the consultations with the ECU in order to reach a compromise which will be as little inconvenient for the participants as possible.

We believe in your responsibility and count that, irrespective of being vaccinated, if you have any symptoms of the Covid-19 disease or any other infectious diseases, you will resign from participating in the tournament.

The participants who do not possess an EU COVID Certificate or a negative result of a Covid-19 test will be able to be tested for Covid-19 at the cost of the organisers. We ask you to come to the venue earlier 7.30-9.30 a.m.

Face masks have to cover the mouth and nose and they have to be worn indoor public places. Face masks as well as disinfectants against Covid-19 will be available on the premises.

We ask you for understanding and hope to welcome you in Katowice.

Best regards,

The Organising Committee of the European Blitz and Rapid Chess Championship 17-19.12.2021

Łukasz Turlej – Director of the tournament, Vice President of FIDE – International Chess Federation
Andrzej Matusiak – President of the Silesian Chess Federation
Michał Paździora – Vice President of the Organisational Department of the Silesian Chess Federation