Jamie, pal of Palau

By Bridget Cook
CASEY radio presenter Jamie Kenmure will jet set to Russia in September for the Chess Olympiad.
But the keen chess enthusiast will not be competing against the world’s best, rather captaining the team from the small Pacific nation of Palau.
Commonly known as the Chess Olympics, the event attracts more than 200 teams, both men and women, from around the world.
Jamie got involved with the Palau Chess Federation after meeting one of its players at a chess tournament.
He will head to Russia with the team of five players, from September 19 to October 4, to train and prepare them.
Jamie said he applied for the position as he thought it would be a good experience.
“Helping a small nation develop in chess is something I want to achieve,” he said.
“Being a ratings officer for Palau, and then travelling to Russia as the team captain is a rewarding experience.
“I love chess, that’s a given fact, but I also like to travel and this was a great opportunity to do both.”
Jamie said there was a lot of responsibility involved with his role.
“I have to prepare the team and make sure they are the best they can be on the world stage,” he said.
Jamie has played chess for about eight years after he was introduced to it while he was at Dandenong High School.
He said he had travelled around Australia competing in a number of tournaments and had beaten some strong players.
Jamie is seeking sponsorship to assist in the costs.
Anyone interested in supporting Jamie is asked to contact Casey Radio on 5996 6933.