Greeting of the Minister of Tourism 

On the occasion of the International Chess Tournament "Acropolis 2009" I would like to congratulate the Greek Chess federation for its remarkable initiative. Chess is the ultimate mind sport and has millions of devotees all over the world. It combines strategy and tactics, psychology and skill for all who occupy themselves with it.

With the factor of "luck" completely absent, a factor that infiltrates almost all other sports, the result depends entirely on the physical and mental capabilities of the players, without any interference whatsoever of the infamous "substances" that greatly mar the global athletic ideals and become front-page news in all worldwide media, conveying a distorted image of sports.

Famous chessplayers, such as Karpov, Fischer, Spassky or Kasparov, are in no way inferior in terms of status to the sportsmen of Athletics or team sports. The devotion, passion and love they have displayed for chess can and should become a role-model for young children.

At the same time, the "Acropolis" tournament enhances the image of our country abroad in the field of alternative and athletic tourism. Moreover, I would like to express my great joy that, this year, the tournament is held in my home region of Evia.

The Ministry of Tourism supports this effort, as well as any other effort that highlights our country abroad in any serious way and, at the same time, promotes healthy competition.

Konstantinos Ath. Markopoulos
Minister of Tourism