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A powerful and emotional moment unfolded at the Estadio Nacional Jorge “El Mágico” González, where inmates participating in El Salvador’s Plan Cero Ocio were brought out of the prison system to receive public recognition for their achievements in the 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners.
The ceremony brought together leaders from FIDE, FIDE America, INDES, and the national prison authorities — a testament to the strength of this collaborative rehabilitation effort.
Among the distinguished guests were:
- José Carrillo Pujol, President of FIDE Americas
- Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of FIDE Management Board
- Dinora Acevedo, INDES (National Institute of Sports of El Salvador)
- Samuel Diaz, Director of the Santa Ana Penitentiary Industrial Complex
- Erick Hernandez, Treasurer of FIDE Americas
- Saul Montoya, Vice President of Salvadoran Chess Federation
Their presence underscored both national and international commitment to the transformative power of chess.
Plan Cero Ocio: Building skills and discipline
As part of Plan Cero Ocio, participants receive chess training five times a week, providing structure, focus, emotional control, and the opportunity to develop skills that support reintegration. Their dedication led to extraordinary success at the 5th Intercontinental Chess Championship for Prisoners:
- Gold — Women’s Team
- Silver — Men’s Team
These achievements are supported by the tireless work of INDES’ Inclusive Sports Department which coordinates technical support with the Salvadoran Chess Federation. Special mention goes to International Master Roberto Calderin, who coached the teams for four months, guiding and advising the players daily.
Regional coordination and long-term development are further strengthened by the support of FIDE Americas.
Voices from the inside
The most powerful words came from the participants themselves:
“Chess gives me structure. Training every day helps me stay focused and calm. It’s the first time in years I feel like I’m improving at something.”
“When I play, I feel free. It reminds me that my mind still belongs to me — and that I can make better decisions, one move at a time.”
These reflections capture the essence of what Chess for Freedom aims to achieve: discipline, dignity, hope, and the ability to think forward — on the board and in life.
FIDE’s commitment in the 2025 Year of Social Chess
As part of the 2025 Year of Social Chess, FIDE is proud to stand with El Salvador in advancing programs that use chess as a bridge to education, rehabilitation, and social inclusion. This ceremony was not just about medals — it was about human transformation.
Chess changes lives. And on this occasion, these players proved it on a national and global stage.