The opening ceremony of FIDE Women's Grand Prix was held in the Business Center in Skolkovo, the building that will also serve as a venue for the games.
Jan Dunning, President and CEO of Magnit, one of the main sponsors of the event, RCF President Andrey Filatov, and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich gave speeches at the opening ceremony.
Jan Dunning explained his reason to support the event:
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«Planning, decision making, and strategy.Chess looks a lot like business to me.»
Jan Dunning
President and CEO of Magnit
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«The first series of Grand Prix is very important for us. We start the tournament after some long time of non-existence. Hopefully, all participants will show their best and also to show the beauty of chess and bring intellectual satisfaction to all chess lovers in the world.
We will continue to focus on the development of women chess. We are looking forward World championship in January next year, which will be held in Shanghai and Vladivostok. Let me assure that here in Skolkovo you will see the best possible hospitality. I wish you all success, fair play and yes let's best wins. Gens Una Sumus.»