Dear EGF Members,                            Villach, 20th July 2007

This year has two important anniversaries. It is of course 50 years since the first
European go Congress. It is good to see that this year is one of the most successful
congresses. I thank very much Simon Gemel and the Austrian Go Federation for all 
their hard work.

Of course 50 years of holding the championship at the congress does not mean that
it will always continue to do so. However changing the system or removing the
championship to a separate event is not something that should be rushed into.
I hope no hasty decisions are made today. I would like the proposed Strong Players
commission to discuss how they would like the system to evolve, but we must take into
account the views of organisers, sponsors and all levels of players when a decision
is made.

A big change that took place last year was the merging of the Go Tour and European Cup.
Of course Toyota stopped sponsoring in 2006 and also having two points schemes made it
unclear to strong players as which to support; the coming together into the new Pandanet
Go European Cup should make a bigger and better circuit, though regrettably the prize
money guaranteed for each event is lower.

I thank the organisers of the other European championship events. I think it is 
important that the Women's, Pair Go, Students', and so on, continue each year even
if timing, cost or location sometimes mean the event is smaller than usual.

Financially the EGF is stable, though many members were slow to pay their 2007 fees.
Often also people are slow to supply the full bank details needed to send money to
them. 

A little disappointing is lack of progress in several countries not yet members, and
internationally the proposed mind games in China in 2008 continues to be an exciting
development. Three countries can again send children's teams to the Oza in Japan in
October - contact me if interested. 

Finally the second anniversary this year is 30 years of myself having played Go. Being
President takes up to 30 hours per week, but I am proud to be able to continue to serve
you as President, thank you.

Very best Go Wishes,
AJAx
Tony Atkins
EGF President