Ballarat Chess Club has not one but two holders of the Koshnitsky Medal for chess administration. This says a lot for our club: Many club organisers from around Australia are always keen to hear how Ballarat Chess Club has managed to create the environment for a flourishing chess club. Well, much of the answer lies in the people supporting the playing of Chess in our community, with participants from as young as 4 years old to veterans in their eighties enjoying and learning the game at the club. Both Kevin Perrin and Patrick Cook have devoted a significant portion of their lives to helping Ballarat Chess to grow to what it has become today, in 2025.
Report by Bas van Riel
The prestigious Koshnitsky Medal 2002, was awarded to Life Member of the Ballarat Chess Club Inc, Kevin Perrin, in recognition of his life-long services and contributions to chess administration on local, regional and international levels. The medal was given to him by Robert Jamieson, the ACF Vice President, at the concluding ceremony of the Australian Chess Championships in Melbourne on January 9th, 2002.
The citation expressed in the ACF Bulletin by Mr. Graeme Gardiner, President of the Australian Chess Association, was:
“The Koshnitsky Medal for chess administration will be awarded to Kevin Perrin. Kevin has been involved on the administration side of both the Ballarat Chess Club and the
Ballarat Begonia Open for some 35 years. His involvement in chess organisation extends to the Victorian Country Championships for many years. The citations were compelling.”
A summary of Kevin’s long list of chess achievements and involvements reads as follows:
1966: Kevin Perrin joined the Ballarat Chess Club for the first time when he was 18 years old and played his first Ballarat Club Championship. Since then, he played in every Club
Championship, culminating in 2025 with the celebration of his 50th consecutive Club Championship.
1967: Kevin became an office bearer of the Ballarat Chess Club for the first time (as deputy secretary) and remained an office-bearer ever since, with the exception of one year.
1967: Kevin became the assistant-DOP of the Ballarat Begonia Tournament.
1973: Kevin became the main arbiter and manager of the Ballarat Begonia tournament, and remained so until 2007 with the exception of 1987 (G Males officiated).
1981: Kevin initiated the School Chess competition for the Ballarat Region, and he remained the driving force of the organisation for well over 15 years.
1985: He was one of the main organisers and DOP of the Australian Open held in Ballarat in December 1984 going into January 1985.
1985: Kevin was awarded the title (possibly the first Australian t.b.c ) of International Arbiter by FIDE.
1986: Kevin was the arbiter of the Australian Open in Adelaide.
1987: Kevin was the arbiter of the Junior World Championships held in Adelaide.
1989: Kevin became a Life Member of the Ballarat Chess Club.
Kevin was the Club champion of Ballarat seven times between 1973 and 1989.
Kevin won the Country Victorian Chess Championships six times, the last time (jointly) in
Bendigo, 2001.
Kevin was one of the co-founders of the rejuvenated Ballarat Chess Club in 1965.
His achievements in chess administration are too numerous to mention.
One of the most lasting involvements undoubtedly was, and still is, the organisation and
direction of the traditional Ballarat Begonia Tournament now (2025) going into its 59th year. Over the years, this tournament has attracted all of Australia’s top players, in addition to a varying group of strong overseas (grand) masters. Kevin has also tried to make this tournament attractive for everyday chess enthusiasts of all ages, thus providing a strong stimulus for chess in general.
This aspect of his work is accentuated every year by his organising and participation as DOP of the Country Victorian Chess Championships over many years. Under his guidance and supervision, this tournament has developed into a well-enjoyed chess ‘get together’ for players from all over country Victoria.
Patrick Cook
At the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 Begonia Open Chess Tournament, ACF President Gary Wastell announced the award of the very prestigious Koshnitsky Medal to our then President, Patrick Cook. Chess Victoria President, IM Leonard Sandler, had the honour of presenting the medallion.
Patrick has been a member of the club for many years and was first made President of the club decades ago. Patrick has been involved in the running of every aspect of the club over many years. He literally holds the key to the club and opens up every week, first in to set up for the junior chess coaching, and often last to leave, although not so much in these last few years as he has stepped back from some duties due to health issues.