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YOU can help to break the British Record for simultaneous Chess.

On Saturday August 9th, in the Sugden Sports Centre in Manchester, the Scottish Grandmaster Jonathan Rowson will attempt to break the British record for the number of Chess games played simultaneously. You can be one of his opponents! We are expecting TV, radio and newspaper coverage of the attempt. The current record stands at 142 and was set in December 1956.

All proceeds from this record attempt will support Kirsty’s appeal to secure Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury.

We are looking for 150 chess players who would like to be part of this historic occasion and at the same time to help the Kirsty Appeal. Everyone who takes part will be encouraged to find sponsorship from friends and family to help the appeal. And everyone who takes part will receive at least one free chess book.

Little Kirsty Howard was born with her heart back to front. Kirsty is the face of the charity appeal formed in her name. She has become a major celebrity since she walked onto the pitch at Old Trafford hand in hand with her hero David Beckham and she stole the hearts of millions when, reunited with Beckham, she handed the final baton to Her Majesty the Queen at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

Kirsty was given six weeks to live three years ago. She continues to defy medical prognosis and is an inspiration to everyone she meets. Kirsty's target is to raise £5 million total for Francis House, of which £2,139,127 has been raised to date.

This record-breaking attempt is being organized by the Mind Sports Olympiad. For information about the Mind Sports Olympiad please visit www.msoworld.com.

This historic event starts at 10am on August 9th. The Sugden Sports Centre is at 114 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1.

Contact information:

If you would like to play in the simultaneous chess record attempt:

Telephone 01204 305563 or email