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.”