ANew York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, January 13, 1960
Chess Aid Is Sought
Group to Petition Congress for Funds for Fischer
A committee headed by Anthony Santasiere, a former national champion, is drawing up a petition to seek Congressional aid in obtaining funds to further the career of Bobby Fischer, 16-year-old United States chess champion from Brooklyn.
Santasiere, the national champion in 1945 and a four-time New York State champion, said petitions were being circulated nationally. The group is called the Committee for United States Chess Champion Bobby Fischer.
Santasiere said his committee hoped to raise money to defray “tournament expenses for Bobby, a goodwill ambassador of his country and a young man with phenomenal talent.” The chairman said he hoped Congress would “see fit to support Bobby tournament-wise until he's able to support himself.”
Santasiere, who teaches at Public School 92, the Bronx, said Fischer was deserving of recognition for “extraordinary services” in winning friends abroad.
