Hurricane Kasparov Hits Nairobi!

What a Sunday!!

We all knew that Garry Kasparov was going to visit Nairobi on 7th July and leave on 8th July 2013. I did not think much about it as I was busy with work.

The Kenya National Junior Championship was being held during the same weekend of 6th & 7th July 2013 at the Sikh Union Club, Nairobi. Those who may not know Sikh Union Club was the powerhouse of Kenyan Hockey in the 1960s and 1970s.

I visited the venue in the morning and found out that Garry was due to land at 4pm. I decided after lunch that I would be part of the guys who go to the airport to welcome our hero. We had to wait almost 2 hours and was it worth it. Certainly. Well here are some photos of the welcome.

Chess Kenya Secretary General Akello and Mehul Gohil.

The beautiful and charming Mrs Darsha Kasparov.

Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch (left) Douglas Ratemo from Ministry of Sports.

Closing ceremony at Sikh Union Club

Garry Kasparov with his full entourage was then present at the closing ceremony of the Kenya National Junior Championship. What an event. The hall was full of spectators who waited for almost 3 hours to see our hero. Garry Kasparov personally presented all the trophies, hugged the small kids, signed all the autographs the kids wanted.

Garry Kasparov left the next day after meeting some government officials.

Did Garry bring any goodies? None so far. However rumour has it that Kasparov Chess Foundation did splash out some goodies.