There are names in chess recognized worldwide such as Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov. Yet, some of the most important people are the ones organizing and promoting chess, and Dr. Mikhail Korenman is one of those people.
Dr. Mikhail Korenman
Dr. Mikhail Korenman was born March 29, 1962 in Nizhniy Novgorod (Gorky), Russia. He and his wife, Dr. Tamara Korenman, have two daughters. After working in the field of education in Russia, he moved his family to the U. S. in 1994. During this time, he went back to school and received his PhD from Kansas State University in 1999. He then taught chemistry at Bethany College in Lindsborg.
Dr. Korenman learned to play chess as a child, later becoming the regional Junior Chess Champion in Nizhniy Novgorod Russia. After a brief hiatus from chess to pursue his PhD, he returned not as a player but as an organizer.
Lindsborg, Kansas Camps & Tournaments
In a short timespan, Dr. Korenman had organized four summer camps and five "Little Sweden" regional chess tournaments inLindsborgKansas. In 2001, Dr. Korenman organized the "Lindsborg Rotary Open Tournament" that has become one of the largest in the area, even allowing players the opportunities to earn International and Grand Master points. The 2003 Lindsborg Open had guested more than 10 Grand Masters and a dozen International Masters from all over the world.
The Karpov International School of Chess
In 2003 Dr. Korenman worked with Anatoly Karpov to start the Karpov International School of Chess. The school started after Dr. Korenman obtained a grant of $261,000 to create this satellite campus of Karpov¹s famous chess school, the only one in the western hemisphere.
The Chess For Peace Initiative
Dr. Korenman then went on to found the non-profit organization "International Educational and Cultural Services, Inc." This organization started the "Chess for Peace" initiative. The Chess for Peace program was designed to promote peace throughout the world by bringing school age children together from many countries helping them learn how to play chess, meet people from other cultures and develop long-term friendships.
Former Russian President and Nobel Prize winner Mikhail Gorbachev launched the program in the U.S on October 29th 2005. Since then the program is still going strong. Part of this program involves travel and Dr. Korenman has taken hundreds of children to Russia and other parts of the world to meet and play chess. Dr. Korenman¹s most recent trip was just in July of 2009.
Media Praise for Korenman
According to the April issue of USCF's Chess Life his work has been praised by many people and is thoroughly reported in the media:
- "I am grateful for your hard work to promote peace." - Letter from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
- "In recent years Lindsborg has witnessed a minor revolution in self-identity, and one man is largely responsible for the shift: Mikhail Korenman has made this town crazy for the game of chess." - National Geographic magazine
- "Mr. Korenman's enthusiasm, imagination and web of contacts have been crucial to the burgeoning appeal of chess here." - The New York Times
- "In the United States, Korenman has built an impressive resume as competitor, teacher and tournament organizer." - The Star
In addition to the aforementioned accomplishment Dr. Korenman has received the following awards for his service to promoting chess.
- 2006 USCF Special Service Award
- 2005 Rotary International Service Award
- 2005 Community Service Award (Lindsborg)
- 2005 FIDE International Organizer
- 2004 USCF Chess Organizer of the Year
Midway Chess Club
Dr. Korenman is currently living in Chicago, Illinois and is continuing his work. He has teamed up with the Midway Chess Club to promote chess in the Chicagoland area.
Dr. Korenman gives his time and knowledge because he loves Chess. Dr. Korenman¹s endeavors have touched the lives of many people, bringing new insight into themselves and others.
Source:
Author interview with William Shehan, President of the Midway Chess Club
 |
 |
