FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has completed a strategic tour across Latin America and the Caribbean—visiting Panama, Aruba, Curaçao, Venezuela, and Colombia—to bolster chess development in the region through strategic partnerships, education initiatives, and youth engagement.
Colombia
During his visit to Colombia, Arkady Dvorkovich took part in the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA) assembly in Barranquilla. He witnessed the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding between the CCA and the Asian Chess Federation, aimed at enhancing school chess projects, youth development programs, coach and player exchanges, and educational material collaboration.
He also attended the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad (August 16–23, 2025), where he made the first ceremonial move in a match between Georgia and the FIDE team. Reflecting on the event, he remarked:
“I hope at some point we will have the Chess Olympiad in the Americas—not U-16, but the main one. It is our ambition for the future. Having more events here allows local players to improve their skills and gain valuable experience.”
Panama
FIDE President met with Luis Esquivel (President, Panama Chess Federation), Miguel Ordóñez (Director General, Pandeportes), and José Carrillo Pujol (President, Confederation of Chess for the Americas).
They had a productive discussion on expanding school chess programs, organizing international events, and enhancing training opportunities, with plans for closer collaboration between FIDE and the Chess Federation of Panama.
Aruba
In Aruba, he met with Gerlien Croes (Minister of Kingdom Relations, Education, Youth, Innovation & Sports).
Alongside FIDE Executive Director, GM Victor Bologan, he opened a mini chess tournament at Centro di Bario Dakota, engaged with young players, and joined a friendly football match—highlighting chess as a tool for community development.
Curaçao
In Curaçao, Arkady Dvorkovich held a formal meeting with Sithree van Heydoorn (Minister of Education, Science, Culture & Sport), Christine Dania (President, Curaçao Olympic Committee), Vergilly Winklar (Director, Foundation for Development of Sports), and Paulus Berkenveld (President, Curaçao Chess Federation).
Discussions focused on establishing chess among Curaçao’s top five sports and introducing Chess in Schools. GM Bologan also gave a simultaneous exhibition for local players to promote grassroots participation.
Venezuela
In Venezuela, FIDE President met with Rander Peña (Deputy Minister for Latin America, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Hugo Martín (President, Venezuelan Chess Federation), Alejandro López (Vice Minister of Education), Johann Carlos Álvarez Márquez (Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Promotion), and Jose Manuel Suarez Maldonado (Mayor, Vargas Municipality).
The discussions centered on strengthening professional and social chess, hosting international events, and scaling up the Chess in Schools program through joint initiatives.
Reflecting on the tour, FIDE President said:
“Visits like these are vital for the global chess community. They connect us with players, officials, and educators while supporting federations in bringing chess to schools, communities, and families. The passion I witnessed confirms that chess is more than a sport—it is a tool for education, social development, and international friendship.”