Fellow NC & SC Chessplayers: My name is NM Leland Fuerstman. In recent times, I have not been as active in tournament competition as I once was, therefore, I may not have had the pleasure of meeting all of you. Through the years, I have promoted many tournaments, major and minor, simultaneous exhibitions and other chess related events. I have also held every position that the NCCA has had to offer; from President, to "Gambit" Editor. Currently, I am President of the Charlotte Chess Club. I have promoted chess for over 35 years and Directed more chess tournaments than anyone in NC history. Ten years ago, I successfully promoted an event called the "NC Team Championship!" It took a ton of work and preparation by many people. For a refreshing change, players had the opportunity of becoming allies with those who were usually their adversaries! Teams from various cities around the state were formed and the event was a grand success! Charlotte is on the state line between North and South Carolina. Through the years, many have wondered why we have never had a formal competition between the two states? (I've never seen such a tournament advertised in Chess Life for any other two states?) - Therefore, in co-operation with the North Carolina Chess Association and the South Carolina Chess Association, due to the popular demand of players from both states, in an unprecedented act of scacchic humanitarianism, we have created the 1st Annual Carolinas Challenge!! This 5 Section event has been designed to pair North Carolina players against South Carolina players ONLY! Each individual player will compete in the Section for which he qualifies based on the October Supplement. The cash prizes are paid for individual results. The top 12 scores of each State per Section will determine which State wins that Title. The "4 man Team" prizes are a separate Bonus to the tournament itself. Simply form a Team (no rating restriction) with friends from your area and the sum of your final scores, regardless of state, will determine which Team(s) wins the cash!! All players who "Intend to Compete" are posted for each state as well as the list of Team names. This user friendly tournament is designed to attract everyone! The entry fee is low, the cash prize payback is high and the hotel rate is great! Also, there will be a Presentation Ceremony after the event where we will present Cash Prizes and Trophies to the winners! So, form a team now and plan to participate in the 1st Annual Carolinas Challenge on November 10-12. I'll see you there! NM Leland Fuerstman lelandfue@yahoo.com