World Champion NIIT Brand Ambassador Viswanathan Anand will receive the "Jameo de Oro", the highest honour given by the Government of Lanzarote in Spain. The award is given only to illustrious personalities with extra ordinary achievements.

The award ceremony will take place on 25th April. Top Government officials will be present at the ceremony. The "Jameo de Oro" is an award made of gold and represents the natural, abundant fauna of the land.

Jose Saramago, the Nobel Prize winner for literature and Cesar Manrique, the famous architect have been past recipients of the award.

This is the first time that a reigning Chess Champion has been received with such top honours in Spain. On his arrival, on 24th April 2001, Anand will be given a state welcome and during his week long stay he will be treated as a guest of the government.

As part of his visit, Anand will give a simultaneous display on the 26th of April at 20:00 hours local Spanish time.

The Gran Canarias have always been very special for Anand. It was here in 1995 he qualified for the Finals of the World Chess Championship (PCA) beating Gata Kamsky.

Anand, on the eve of his trip commented "It is a honour for me to be invited to Lanzarote. The Canarian people have always been very kind to me. To be bestowed the most prestigious award of their Government makes me feel very happy. Hopefully the Canarias will continue their great tradition of organising world class events."

Lanzarote is an important island part of the Canarian archipelago. The island has a unique scenery with golden beaches and volcanic landscapes. The town planning of the whole island was the design of Cesar Manrique. The Canary Islands have been active patrons of chess in the past. Anand's visit will be seen as a boost to the chess activities in the region.

The Government also plans to have special television crews at vantage tourist points where Anand is likely to visit.

For Anand this is his second trip to Lanzarote. He spent a day there during the tournament in Las Palmas in 1996.