FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan promotes chess across the Americas
FIDE Executive Director, GM Victor Bologan, has completed an official tour of several countries in the Americas, focusing on the promotion of social chess, chess in multi-sport events, chess in education, youth development, and the strengthening of national chess federations. Panama City, Panama (August 8–9) In Panama, Bologan met with Luis Esquivel, President of the Panama Chess Federation. He also delivered a masterclass for the country’s most promising young players at the local club Proyecto 64, highlighting the importance of nurturing youth talent. Asunción, Paraguay (August 10) In Paraguay’s capital, Bologan held key meetings with sports leaders including Mario Moccia (President, Argentine NOC), Damaris Young (President, Panamanian NOC), Camilo Pérez (President, Paraguayan NOC), and Neven Ilić (President, Panam Sports). Discussions centered on the inclusion of chess in the Pan American Games 2027 in Peru. He also met with Paraguayan Chess Federation President Victor González Gauto and its board members. FIDE expressed its gratitude to CCA President José Carrillo Pujol for his organizational support and active participation in all meetings. Lima, Peru (August 11–12) In Peru, Bologan met with Federico Tong, President of the Instituto de Deporte de Perú, to secure support for chess’s potential inclusion in the Pan American Games. He also conducted a masterclass for Peru’s top young chess players, reaffirming FIDE’s committment to youth development. Guayaquil, Ecuador (August 13–15) In Ecuador, Victor Bologan had a meeting with Francisco Morán Peña, Rector of the University of Guayaquil and a strong supporter of chess. FIDE Executive Director also met Felipe Delgado, President of the Ecuadorian Chess Federation, and José David Jiménez Vásquez, Minister of Sports, to discuss solutions for internal legal challenges and long-term development of Ecuadorian chess. Highlights in Ecuador included a 24-board simul against the country’s youth champions (final score: 22.5–1.5), and a visit to the chess center in Durán, Guayas Province. This center runs a remarkable program across 26 municipalities, providing free chess access to over 1,000 students. FIDE extends special thanks to WGM Martha Fierro for her invaluable efforts in organizing all events in Ecuador. Reflecting on his tour, Victor Bologan said: “Chess is not only a sport but also a powerful educational and social tool. Across the Americas, I was impressed by the energy and commitment of our partners to bring chess into schools, communities, and multi-sport platforms. With such dedication, the future of chess in the region looks very bright.”
Inspiring initiatives in South Africa and Zambia – Women’s Marathon Week 2
From South Africa to Zambia, the second week of the Women’s Chess Marathon has highlighted the passion and progress of women in chess across Africa. As part of FIDE’s Social Year of Chess, August is dedicated to Women in Chess – a global celebration of achievements and an inspiration for the next generation. The centerpiece of this month is the Women’s Chess Marathon, a worldwide initiative of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM), with activities held across all continents. During the second week of the Marathon, the spotlight turned to Africa, where vibrant events in South Africa and Zambia showcased the power of chess to connect, empower, and uplift women and girls. A special guest at both events was WGM Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, who brought her experience, warmth, and encouragement to participants. South Africa: Queen’s Chess Training Workshop & Community Activities In South Africa, the Queen’s Chess Training Workshop was hosted at Club Mykonos Resort in Langebaan, organised in partnership with the South African Chess Federation under the leadership of its President, Andre Lewaks. The workshop brought together talented women players for two days of intensive training. Participants explored strategies for defeating stronger opponents, deepened their understanding of middlegame planning, sharpened tactical calculation, and honed practical tournament skills, while also recognizing the importance of mental and physical stamina. The training was led by FT Eric Takawira, FI Reuben Salimu, and Nadzeya Krauchuk, and of course by WGM Dana Reizniece, whose opening talk “Making it in Chess” set the tone for the event. “They have learned that studying chess is super good, but not enough. Physical fitness, healthy food and good sleep – it all counts,” Dana later wrote, after sharing a morning run before chess classes with the girls. Beyond the workshop, activities extended to the community. Dana led a simultaneous exhibition at Louwville High School, describing the children as “eager for every little tip they can get.” The program also featured a Women’s Month Blitz Tournament, blending passion, competition, and camaraderie. Notably, three women players recently earned new national titles—a milestone celebrated as proof of the growing strength of women’s chess in South Africa. Chess Trainings with Salome Melia Alongside the Queen’s Chess Training Workshop, South Africa has also been benefiting from a longer-term initiative led by IM/WGM Salome Melia, organised in partnership with the South African Chess Federation. Over 35 girls are taking part in weekly online training sessions, complemented by offline events, a special visit, and a dedicated safeguard seminar. The programme provides consistent, high-level guidance while ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants. This sustained training ensures that the impact of Women’s Chess Month extends well beyond August, creating lasting opportunities for young talents in South Africa. Zambia: Rapid Women’s Chess Championship Just days later, the focus shifted to Zambia, where the Zambia Rapid Women’s Chess Championship attracted 88 female players – the largest number ever to compete in a women’s chess championship in the country. “For the first time, Zambia gathered so many women players in a chess event,” Dana Reizniece shared on her social media. The championship, organised by the Chess Federation of Zambia in collaboration with WOM, was not only a competition but also a celebration of community. Participants had the chance to hear directly from Dana, who encouraged them to aim higher in chess and in life. Her motivational talk, combined with the energy of the event, left a lasting impression on the players. Why these events matter The Women’s Chess Marathon is more than a series of tournaments and workshops. It creates safe, inspiring spaces where girls and women can: Build confidence by gaining practical chess knowledge and skills Feel supported as part of a global community of women in chess Find role models who show that success in chess and beyond is possible Celebrate together, strengthening the bond between competitive drive and shared experience Such initiatives encourage girls to dream bigger, work harder, and recognize that chess can open doors not only to competitive success but also to personal growth. Looking ahead With the Women’s Chess Marathon continuing through August – reaching Asia, Australia, and Europe in the weeks ahead – the message is clear: women belong in chess, and their potential is limitless. The events in South Africa and Zambia stand as powerful examples of how targeted initiatives, strong partnerships, and inspiring role models can change lives – even in just a couple of days. They embody the mission of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess: to grow participation, create opportunities, and ensure that every girl with a love for the game knows she has a place at the board. FIDE and WOM thank the South African Chess Federation, the Chess Federation of Zambia, and all organisers, coaches, and participants for their dedication to making these events a success. The #WomensChessMarathon continues.
A night of celebration and chess: World Under-16 Chess Olympiad begins in Barranquilla, Colombia
Yesterday, the city of Barranquilla, Colombia, hosted the grand opening ceremony of the World Under-16 Chess Olympiad at the Elías Chegwin Coliseum. With delegations from 45 countries and 86 teams, the parade of flags filled the arena with color and excitement, marking the official start of one of the world’s most prestigious youth chess competitions. The evening was filled with joy, music, and culture, concluding with an unforgettable performance by the winner of Yo me llamo Shakira, who thrilled the audience with her show. Prominent figures from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and FIDE America attended the event, reaffirming international support for the growth of chess in Colombia and highlighting the significance of this global sporting occasion. Distinguished personalities from the chess world, as well as from the sporting and cultural spheres, were present, including José Carrillo Pujol, President of FIDE America; the FIDE America board; Akaki Iashvili, FIDE Special Tasks Director; Victor Bologan, FIDE Executive Director; Dr. Vivi Barguil, Executive Director of the Rueda Rueda Foundation; Weymar Muñoz, President of the Colombian Chess Federation; and Daniel Trujillo, Sports Secretary, along with delegates, federation presidents, and representatives of various partner organizations. FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan and FIDE Continental President for the Americas José Carrillo Pujol made the first ceremonial moves, officially setting the competition underway. The Colombian Chess Federation extends its deepest gratitude to all the individuals, institutions, and organizations that made this Olympiad possible—especially the sponsors, whose support has helped transform Barranquilla into the world epicenter of youth chess. Photos: Federación Colombiana de Ajedrez Official website: youtholympiad2025.fide.com/