From: Pieter Stouten SHOGI NET> Date: 1 jun 2000 Subject: Possible MSO problems Dear Shogi fans, I just received some shocking news from David Levy. The bottom line is that the chance exists that the MSO 2000 will be cancelled due to the main sponsor suddenly finding itself in dire straits. By June 16, we should definitely know whether the MSO 2000 will take place. See below for details. We will go ahead with the early registration process as planned, and the deadline for early registration will remain June 15. Shortly after that date you will be informed whether the MSO 2000 Shogi Festival takes place. Under the circumstances, I advise you not to make any definite travel arrangements yet. If you had already registered with your national organization or with me AND if you had already purchased non-refundable plane tickets, please contact me immediately. We are currently putting together a backup plan for the European Championship. You will be informed if and when that plan needs to be put into action I apologize for any inconvenience and hope to be bringing y'all better news soon. Pieter Stouten MSO 2000 Shogi Council, Coordinator Satellite Events --------------------------------------------------------------------------- MSO Worldwide Ltd 12 St James's Square London SW1Y 4RB Telephone +44(0)207 849 6373 Facsimile +44 (0)207 849 6161 June 1st 2000 4th MIND SPORTS OLYMPIAD We wish to warn you about a potentially serious problem with the organisation of the 4th Mind Sports Olympiad, which is scheduled to take place from August 19th-28th at Alexandra Palace in London. Our expected sponsor is having great difficulty finding the funds to sponsor this year's event, due to the recent downturn in the stock market for "dotcom" companies. They may yet find the necessary funding but frankly we are doubtful. We are exploring two other possible routes to sponsorship and we still hope that the Olympiad will go ahead but we feel that we should warn you now just in case we have to cancel the event. A final decision will be taken not later than June 16th. In the meantime anyone planning to come to London should delay making any non-refundable travel arrangements. We will update everyone the moment we have made a final decision. Best regards, David Levy dlevy msoworld com