SEATTLE, Wash. � (December 22, 2003) � America�s Foundation for Chess (AF4C) announces the NTC Foundation as its new partner for the annual U.S. Chess Championships scheduled for the first two weeks in December 2004. The NTC Foundation in San Diego, Calif., will host this historic national tournament at their new arts and cultural venue, Promenade Centre. The winner will represent the United States at the World Chess Championships.

This will be the fourth year that AF4C has hosted the annual tournament � one of the oldest and most prestigious national titles in the world - and its first year doing so with a co-sponsor. Expected to maintain its record-breaking $250,000 prize fund, the 2004 U.S. Chess Championships will be held over 11 days and will attract widespread media attention from around the world. Chessmaster� will also return as a 2004 corporate sponsor.

Event Offers Something for Chess Fan and Non-Chess Players Alike

The 2004 tournament will highlight not only the elite chess competition, but also offer valuable educational activities sure to make chess more accessible to the general public. Promoting chess as a learning tool that is fun, engaging and available to people young and old, novice or master, is another reason AF4C is seeking the large public venue offered by NTC�s Promenade Center.

�We are proud to welcome this high-profile, national tournament as one of the Promenade Centre�s inaugural events,� said Murray Galinson, chairman of the NTC Foundation Board of Directors. �AF4C and the Foundation both understand the importance of bringing innovative learning and education to the public.�

�AF4C has been looking for a partner whose mission is aligned with ours: NTC supports creative education and believes in the value the U.S. Chess Championships can bring to the national expansion of the AF4C classroom chess curriculum,� said Erik J Anderson, president and co-founder of AF4C.

A community that embraces education and culture, San Diego is enthusiastic about AF4C�s relocation of the US Chess Championships.

President and CEO of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau Reint Reinders explains, �Relocating this national event to San Diego�s Promenade Centre will give more chess enthusiasts access to players and commentary. Those unfamiliar with the game will receive an introduction to the value of chess in America. We are excited that AF4C recognizes the potential that a co-sponsor such as the NTC Foundation can have in drawing more attention to this elite event. San Diego is thrilled to carry on the chess torch.�

About NTC Foundation

The NTC Foundation, a private 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation, is charged with the preservation and renovation of 26 historical buildings that are part of the historic core of the former Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. The Foundation is also responsible for the creation of a civic, arts and cultural center known as the Promenade Centre to occupy the renovated buildings. For information, visit www.promenadecentre.org.

About America�s Foundation for Chess

Founded on the hope of making chess a subject taught in every school in the United States, AF4C, www.af4c.org a nonprofit organization, is committed to making chess a larger part of America's cultural fabric � accessible in schools and in popular culture. By organizing events such as the U.S. Championships, AF4C hopes to elevate the profile of chess in America so that it will soon become a regular part of every child's classroom experience.