Fundraising tournament to support Tymek Kalata's battle with DMD
13-year-old Tymoteusz Kalata from Poland has been fighting Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) since he was six months old. Despite the struggles this condition brings, his love for chess has remained unaffected. However, due to the high costs of his medical treatment, Tymek’s family is reaching out for support from the chess community. A chess tournament will be organized in Warsaw, Poland to raise funds for his treatment. Read the article to learn more about how you can join the tournament or donate to support Tymek’s fight. Photo: Dominik Kosiorek
Help the little king in his battle
We often face challenges that test our mental and physical strength. For some, the challenges may be occasional, while for others, they may be a daily reality. What truly matters is how we respond to these challenges!
13-year-old Tymoteusz Kalata (Tymek) from Poland is a passionate chess lover. He has been battling a rare disease called Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This condition causes severe muscle weakness making everyday activities extremely difficult. Tymek was diagnosed with this disease at the age of 6 months and his life has been a constant challenge since then. Despite this, his love for chess has remained unaffected.
Every day, Tymek faces challenges that many of us cannot imagine. With the help of medical treatments and the relentless willpower of Tymek and his family, he has managed to keep moving forward. However, Tymek still needs our help. His parents shared the gravity of the situation:
The expenses for his treatment are huge! We are racing against time. Every contribution is an invaluable support for us on this difficult journey, and we are deeply grateful for each one.
This is an opportunity for the chess community to come together and financially support this brave child.
How can you help?
A special charity chess tournament will take place on Saturday, 25th January 2025, at the Peter Skarga Catholic Elementary School in Warsaw, Poland. The motive of this tournament is to raise funds for Tymek’s medical treatment. Whether you participate in the tournament or donate, your support will make a difference in Tymek's life!
Tournament details:
Date: 25th January 2025, Saturday
Time: 10:00 AM
09:20 AM to 09:50 AM - Registration, confirmation
10:00 AM - Official opening of the tournament
10:10 AM (Approx) - Round 1 starts
3:00 PM - End of the tournament
Location: Peter Skarga Catholic Elementary School, Bema Street 73/75, 01-244 Warsaw/entrance C – through the church grounds.
Organizers:
Peter Skarga Catholic Elementary School in Warsaw, Poland
Dominik Kosiorek - tel. 604 150 054, email: nick.kosiorek@gmail.com
Chief Arbiter: Jakub Suliborski - tel. 690 687 003, email: jakub.suliborski@gmail.com
Peter Skarga Catholic Elementary School in Warsaw
Siepomaga Foundation
UKS Sparta Białołęka.
Tournament format:
Swiss system: There will be 7 rounds (More rounds may be added depending on participation).
Time control: 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment per move.
Scoring system: The final ranking will be determined by the following tiebreak criteria, in this order:
Prizes: As this is a charity event, there are no monetary prizes. However, auctions will be held during the tournament.
Entry fee: 70 PLN for all participants with the option to contribute more. All the amount will be used for Tymek’s treatment.
How to pay?
- In cash on the day of the tournament or
- You can donate to the fundraiser using this link.
- When making the donation, players have to keep in mind a few things.
1. In the "Your signature" field, enter your first and last name.
2. Write a note “Tournament for Tymek”
3. Send the confirmation to nick.kosiorek@gmail.com
4. 100% of the entry fee will be donated to the fundraiser for Tymek Kalata's treatment.
Registration:
Participants must register by January 23, 2025, through the website ChessManager or via email at jakub.suliborski@gmail.com. Participants can also register directly before the tournament if there are available spots, but priority will be given based on payment and early registration.
Tournament rules:
1. The tournament will follow FIDE rules but will not be registered for FIDE rating.
2. The interpretation of this announcement is the responsibility of the organizer.
3. The organizer reserves the right to make changes to this announcement as needed.
4. There will be free refreshments (Tea, Coffee, Water) at the tournament.
5. Participants are responsible for their expenses.
6. Participation in the tournament is equivalent to consent to the processing of personal data for the purposes of the tournament, as well as consent to the free recording and dissemination of the image in the form of analog and digital photographs for promotional purposes of the Organizers.
7. Minors must be accompanied by their guardians.
