FIDE President congratulates medalists of 2nd Intercontinental Championship for Prisoners
On October 13-17, the second Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners – the biggest-ever chess event among correctional facilities – was held among 85+ men, women and youth teams representing 46 countries. The only country that managed to get two medals in the event was Serbia winning gold in the youth tournament and silver in the women’s section. The medalists were congratulated by the FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who attended the Penitentiary Home in Belgrade (Padinska Skela) during his visit to Serbia. Dvorkovich had a meeting with the inmates of the Correctional Home in Krusevac, who played in the youth section of the 2nd Intercontinental Championship for Prisoners and female convicts of the Correctional Institution for Women in Pozarevac, who participated in women’s tournament. Players of both teams were awarded certificates, chess sets and online master classes with the top GM. In his speech, Arkady Dvorkovich thanked all participants and organizers from Serbia, congratulated them on the excellent results and noted that Serbia, with two medals won, is the most successful country in the 2nd Intercontinental Championship for Prisoners. “I wish chess will help you to overcome the current situation; you will continue to learn the game of chess and enjoy it,” he said. FIDE President also played a game of chess against one of the youth team members. The Chess Federation of Serbia plans to devote even more attention to the Chess for Freedom project and, together with the Administration for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions, will soon start preparing for the next chess competitions.
Missing FIDE President: Investigation by FIDE Historical Committee
In 1939, the FIDE GA met in Buenos Aires during the Olympiad. Because of the uncertainty regarding a possible World War, Paraguay’s delegate came up with a motion to replace the FIDE President, Dr Rueb, with the President of the Argentina Chess Federation Augusto De Muro. The motion was accepted by a huge majority of the delegates but never implemented. Eighty-two years later, the President of the Argentina Chess Federation Mario Petrucci asked FIDE to rewrite history and list Mr De Muro as the second FIDE President. An investigation has been made by the FIDE Historical Committee, which has concluded that according to FIDE Statutes from that time, the FIDE GA had the power to take the decision to replace Dr Rueb. Before taking the final decision, the FIDE Council has asked the FIDE Office to publish all documents concerning the above-mentioned case. If anyone has unpublished documents or has a justified counter-opinion, please contact the FIDE Office at at office@fide.com by January 10, 2023. Here is a full list of related documents: Letter to the FC by Willy Iclicki (docx) Investigation by Sergio Ernesto Negri and Juan Sebastián Morgado (docx) Letter by Herman Hamers (docx) FIDE Statutes 1925 (pdf) General Assembly Agenda 1939 (jpg) Letter to Federations 1939 (jpg) Mario Petrucci FADA President Letter to the FIDE President (pdf) Text Francais (jpg) Torneo Naciones Poster (jpg) XVI Congress Report (jpg) Chapter 34 – September 1939 (jpg) Augusto De Muro – President (jpg) First Session GA 1939 – Spanish (jpg) Olympiad 1939 – Final Stanings (jpg)
“Chess in the Process of a Preschooler’s Development” online conference announced
On the initiative of FIDE Chess in Education Commission (EDU) and Chess Scientific Research Institute of Armenian State Pedagogical University, an International Online Conference, “Chess in the Process of a Preschooler’s Development”, will be held on December 10, 2022. The conference aims to discuss different approaches to teaching chess to preschoolers, focusing on chess as an educational tool for a child’s development. All interested people can participate in the conference evaluating chess in the field of preschool education. The main topics of the conference are: The methodology of teaching chess to a preschooler. Chess and kindergarten teachers’ training. The working languages of the conference are English and Spanish. All interested people can participate in the conference evaluating chess in the field of preschool education by registering online via the following link. The theses of the reports must be sent by November 20, 2022. The authors will be informed about the decision by the organizational committee by November 27, 2022. We would be glad to see you at our upcoming conference.
3rd FIDE Educational Seminar “Chess for children with ASD. Learn & teach” announced
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The resistration is extended until October 6, 2022 The International Chess Federation, with the support of the International Olympic Committee, FIDE Planning and Development Commission, and FIDE Social Commission, is pleased to announce the 3rd FIDE Educational Seminar “Chess for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Learn & teach”. The seminar will take place on October 9, 2022, from 12:00 to 15:00 CEST. The event follows the success of the previous two workshops held in 2021, which you can find on our YouTube channel (part 1 and part 2). Teaching chess to children with autism spectrum disorder positively impacts their communication abilities, speech, thinking, self-esteem and confidence. Speakers will present a unique training program they developed in 2021 and provide practical advice. The seminar aims to deliver core knowledge to potential chess teachers and coaches starting to work with children within our Infinite Chess project. In January 2021, a pilot project was launched in six countries: Spain, Turkey, France, Gibraltar, South Africa and Norway. In 2022 we’re planning on adding nine new partner countries: Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Albania, Latvia, and Morocco. The seminar is aimed first and foremost at the teachers from these new partner federations. However, we decided to make it open for everyone to benefit individual teachers or parents working with children with ASD. Speakers of the seminar will talk about the ways of teaching chess to children with autism spectrum disorder and explain their methodology covering the following topics: • What is autism spectrum disorder? • How to teach chess to children with autism? • How to prepare the classroom? What else to pay attention to? The list of speakers includes: Natalia Popova – WIM, FIDE Trainer, Trainer of the FIDE Chess Academy in Belarus, leader of the two-year-long project teaching chess to children with autistic spectrum disorder (FIDE); Ala Mishchanka – Special needs educational assistant, more than 15 years of experience (Canada); Evguenia Charomova – Bachelor of Science, Masters in speech therapy, Former New Zealand women’s chess champion, Speech-Language Therapist (New Zealand); Kanthi Devi Sarjoo – Speech and language therapist of the Brown’s School (South Africa); Sharon Whatley – Chess Coach & President of the Gibraltar Chess Association Ghost Writer and Author (Gibraltar); Karel van Delft – chess teacher, coach, chess organizer, writer, lecturer, Science Project Manager in Chessable science (The Netherlands). How to register: For registration, please, please fill out the form before September 30, 2022. On October 08, all the registered participants will receive the access link to the online seminar. All participants who successfully pass a test will get a certificate of attendance. For further inquiries, please contact: Infinitechess@yahoo.com Nadezhda Kravchuk, Project Coordinator Anastasia Sorokina, Project Leader
Record-breaking attendance at FIDE Trainers’ Seminar
Under the auspices of FIDE, Arab Chess Federation and Asia Chess Academy organized an online trainers’ seminar that took place from 23-25 September 2022. Thanks to FIDE’s support and collaboration between the Arab Chess Federation (ACF) and the African Chess Confederation (ACC), a new record has been set in a very successful trainers’ seminar with an unprecedented turnout of 97 participants from 57 countries. The high quality of the material presented by great lecturers and world champions clearly increased the value of TRG seminars. This particular one attracted a record-breaking number of participants striving to hone their skills by learning from the best of the best. The closing ceremony was attended by FIDE President, Mr Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE Vice-President and ACF President Sheikh Saud Bin Abdulaziz Al Mualla, ACC president Tshepiso Lopang and TRG Chairman Sami Khader. Mr Khader expressed his delight with the presence of the honorable guests and the results of the seminar. He also related to the gradually growing success of TRG seminars to the quality of the material provided and the standards set by TRG in selecting lecturers. He also reinstated TRG’s willingness to continue building on that success. FIDE President, Mr Dvorkovich, expressed satisfaction with achieving such impressive numbers, which indicates a high demand for this kind of trainers’ seminars that the FIDE trainers Commission (TRG) has been organizing for a while. Mr Dvorkovich believes that TRG will continue its active work across the world for different groups. It will help to reach different geographical regions and chess levels. Coupled with high efficiency, it would help to create a new generation of chess trainers and players. Arkady Dvorkovich also stressed the importance of ACF’s cooperating with the ACC actively in fostering a new generation of professionals, which he believed was the way to go, and an example of how affiliated organizations should act together with FIDE to achieve common goals. Mr Dvorkovich thanked ACF & ACC for their joint effort and appreciated all participants’ investing their time in improving their qualifications as trainers. He wished them, on behalf of FIDE and FIDE Council, good luck. FIDE Vice President and ACF President, Sheikh Al Mualla, was glad to see the top figures in the chess world getting together to nurture the growth of the new generation of trainers. He also ensured ACF’s effort to maintain the quality of the seminars in the future. ACC President, Ms Tshepiso Lopang congratulated the TRG Chairman, Sami Khader, on his job well done! And thanked him for the efforts to ensure that the event was a real success. She also thanked Sheikh Almualla for supporting the ACC throughout that seminar and expressed ACC’s hope for further collaboration and support by FIDE to develop the game on the African continent.
FIDE’s FPL to form investigatory panel for Carlsen-Niemann controversy
UPDATE: The Investigatory Panel will be composed of Salomeja Zaksaite, Vinzent Geeraets, and Klaus Deventer. Following the recent developments in the Carlsen-Niemann controversy, FIDE’s Fair Play Commission (FPL) has decided to act ex-officio and create an Investigatory Panel (IP). Three members of the Commission will form this panel, and it will also have the possibility to call for a consultation with external experts wherever analysis is required. The focus of the investigation would be twofold: checking the World Champion’s claims of alleged cheating by Niemann and Niemann’s self-statement regarding online cheating. As stated by Fair Play Chairperson Salomeja Zaksaite, the FPL is ready to examine the circumstances, compile and analyze all the data and evidence available, and ascertain the facts and allegations that have been made public. The panel will ensure a fair ruling, protecting the rights of both parties during the investigation. “In the best interest of the chess community, we would kindly ask the public to refrain from speculations on the outcomes and potential sanctions until all available facts are well considered, and a proper investigation is finalized,” added Dr Zaksaite.
Change of leadership in the FIDE Women’s Commission
Eva Repkova and Christelle Jager-Hafstad have informed FIDE about their decision to step down from their respective positions as Chair and Secretary of our FIDE Commission for Women’s chess. This decision comes after a most intense year of work for the commission. Eva and Christelle stand ready to help the new team continue the ongoing projects and the positive momentum that has been created for women and our chess community. FIDE would like to express its gratitude for their dedication and many achievements in making this Year of the Women in Chess a success, starting a movement that will impact our organization for years to come. The new composition of the different commissions is currently being discussed, and they will be announced in the coming weeks.
Mr Short and Mr Iashvili appointed Director for Chess Development and Special Tasks Director
Some of the critical priorities of the International Chess Federation are promoting chess all over the globe, among people of all backgrounds and skill levels, and helping national chess federations, new and old, in their development. Two new positions are intended to increase the task force in these fields. Nigel Short (England) is appointed Director for Chess Development. The famous Grandmaster and chess promoter will concentrate on assisting countries that need extra attention. At the start, Mr Short will focus on several new federations to kick-start their development. He would particularly focus on helping to organize international tournaments in those countries that themselves lack such capacity. Tournaments and other comprehensive support would create new rated and titled players, thus raising the overall chess level to new heights. In his work, Mr Short will closely cooperate with FIDE commissions, especially Planning and Development, Trainers, Social and Educational. International Organizer Akaki Iashvili (Georgia) takes the position of Special Tasks Director. He will concentrate on chess events under the scope of the FIDE Events Commission, such as World Youth and Cadets championships, veteran tournaments, and events for people with disabilities. In his years as a FIDE Council member, Mr Iashvili coordinated the work of the Commission for the Disabled. His experience as a chess organizer is extensive and covers a decade of important European and world-level tournaments. He was the organizer of the recently finished World Cadets Championship in Batumi and other youth events in the past years, including Online Rapid World Cups for young players that allowed them to continue playing during the pandemic when over-the-board events were impossible. “We believe our work is not just about top players or world championship cycles. We want to see chess thrive all over the world, to have at least one rated tournament held in every country that is a member of FIDE, to ensure that chess is accessible for everyone, and to see more kids picking up chess. I hope that the new appointments will contribute to this ambitious task, and together we will reach our goals,” commented FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.
Arkady Dvorkovich meets with President of Kazakhstan
On September 29, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich met with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Opening the conversation, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Arkady Dvorkovich on his recent re-election as president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). During the meeting Arkady Dvorkovich briefed the President of Kazakhstan about the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Series, which brought together 12 strongest chess players of the world in Astana. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that events of this level make a significant contribution to the development of chess sport in our country. “Chess is very popular in Kazakhstan, especially among children and young people. We have more than seven thousand chess clubs and classes, but we need to increase this number at least twofold. Now there are more than 200,000 people involved in chess. Kazakhstani chess players successfully perform at international competitions. We pay great attention to chess. A roadmap for the development of chess is in place and we are planning to launch a large project Chess in Schools” Tokayev said. In turn, Arkady Dvorkovich expressed his gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his personal support and promotion of chess in Kazakhstan, and also expressed FIDE’s readiness to share its successful international experience in introducing chess into the school curriculum. The participants of the meeting exchanged opinions on long-term cooperation between Kazakhstan and FIDE and discussed the prospects of holding major international tournaments in the country. Text and photos: akorda.kz/
FIDE Chessable Academy resumes in October
FIDE Chessable Academy will resume in October 2022 after taking a break for the FIDE World Chess Olympiad held in Chennai, India. This grassroots and young talent development program is now in its second year, with 336 students between the ages of 8 to 16 from 72 National Chess Federations returning for the final two months of lessons this year. Classes are conducted online on Chessable Classroom, every weekend, and each lesson is two hours where students are divided into ten groups in three time zones, New York, Berlin, and Moscow, and held in English, Spanish and Russian, accommodating all levels of students right up to Grandmaster level. Lecturers for this last semester in 2022 are leading trainers Ramesh RB, Igor Stohl, Alexey Kuzmin, Farrukh Amonatov, Melikset Khachiyan, Mikhail Kobalia, Alonso Zapata, Bernal Gonzales and Michael Oratovsky. The program is developed and administered by FIDE Trainers Commission with sponsorship from Chessable.