Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand and Vidyasagar (formerly known as The Spastics Society of India) will jointly host a unique fund-raiser "Vishy v Chennai" on Saturday, July 16, at the Traders Hotel, in Chennai from 1900 hrs IST. The proceeds of the event will fund the purchase of wheelchairs and orthotic aids.
Anand, who has agreed to represent Vidyasagar, world-wide as it's international brand ambassador, will play 64 opponents (1 for each square on a chess board) each of whom would have donated Rs. 5000 to the above cause for the privilege of playing the Grandmaster. This ticket price will also entitle the purchaser, to dinner for a couple at the event.
Some tickets have already been sold on the Internet and Anand will play these opponents from all around the world, online, at the event. The event is supported by India Cements Ltd., the International Chess Council, McDowell & Co. and Radio Mirchi.
Apart from ticket sales, further revenues will be generated for Vidyasagar at the event, through the auction of a chess set, during the evening. The highest bidder will have the chess set personally autographed for him or her on the sport by Anand and will also have the autographed chess set presented to him/her by the Grandmaster himself in front of the assembled media.
Anand has been an ambassador for the NGO since 2003.
His message to the public about these children: "They are young minds, exceptionally gifted with beautiful smiles. My job is to ensure that these children remain the beautiful people they are. They are also children and to give wings to their dreams is something I am most proud to do."
Vidyasagar was set up in 1985 and is dedicated to integrating children with cerebral palsy into society.