The fifth day of the 2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities began with “Inspiration Talks” featuring WGM Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, and GM Thomas Luther, Chair of the FIDE Commission for People with Disabilities.
The motivational meeting, held at the New Generation School, brought together children with special needs. The event was jointly organized by FIDE, Kazchess, and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), with support from the Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan.
The speakers shared their personal journeys and insights into how chess can teach resilience, discipline, and creativity. An open discussion followed, where the children asked questions and shared their enthusiasm for the game.
GM Thomas Luther said: “It was a wonderful experience to meet so many motivated children. Chess is more than a game – it teaches imagination, concentration, respect, and how to handle both victory and defeat.”
Celebrating United Nations Day
As play resumed for Round 5, the first ceremonial move was made by: Philip Gardner, President of the International Committee of Silent Chess (ICCD), Berik Balgabaev, Advisor to the FIDE President, Sukhrob Khodzhimatov, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, and Ardak Yeleussizov, Director of Freedom Bank Astana.
The visit of Mr. Khodzhimatov was especially symbolic, coinciding with United Nations Day. He shared:
“This movement is truly meaningful. For UNDP, our guiding principle is to leave no one behind. People with disabilities must be treated as full members of society – we must value their power, energy, and initiative. I was deeply impressed by this facility and the happiness of the participants – this is truly a place for everyone.”
Young Stars of the Olympiad
The Olympiad also celebrates its youngest participants, whose enthusiasm and spirit continue to inspire everyone in Astana.
Thirteen-year-old Mikhail Dzenisenia from FIDE Team 2 (pictured below) spoke confidently about his ambitions: “I started playing chess when I was four. Now I want to become a FIDE Master and one day win the World Championship for players with disabilities.”
The youngest boy at the Olympiad, 12-year-old Ben Kaufmann from Germany, expressed his joy at playing alongside his father: “It’s very special to be here. We show that everyone is perfect. I play with my dad every day, and chess is a big part of our life.”
His father, Thorsten Kaufmann, captain of the German team, added: “Here, everyone is equal on the board – there are no disadvantages. This tournament shows that all people are special, and you should never give up.”
Twelve-year-old Celine Atassi from the USA, the youngest girl at the Olympiad, shared what chess means to her: “Chess plays a huge role in my life. I study for several hours every day, and I hope to become an International Master or even a Grandmaster one day.”
On the boards
At the top tables, Poland and FIDE 1 drew their crucial match, trading blows on boards two and four. Both teams remain in the lead with 9/10 team points. Just behind them are IBCA and IPCA, both on 8/10 points, keeping the race for gold wide open before the final round.
Standings after Round 5 can be found on Chess-Results.
Position of the Day
Today’s instructive position came from the game between Griffin McConnell (USA) and IM Piotr Dukaczewski (IBCA), showcasing the power of active defense and creative counterplay.
In a position where White’s rook and two minor pieces should normally overpower the queen, Black found a brilliant idea:
23… b3!! – a dynamic pawn thrust, threatening a double attack after …Qa5. White tried 24. Bd5 Qa5 25. c3, but then came another stunning move: 25… c4!, creating multiple threats.
After 26. Bxc4 d5!, White’s bishop was trapped, and the balance tipped decisively in Black’s favor. The rest was a smooth sailing for Black.
As the Olympiad reaches its final stages, excitement and tension are rising. The players remain fully focused, yet the atmosphere of team spirit continues to define this unique event.
Tomorrow, the final round will decide who takes home the gold – but here in Astana, every participant has already become a winner through their spirit, courage, and love for the game.
Official website: dis-olympiad2025.fide.com/
