FIDE Chess School Award established
FIDE Education Commission is pleased to announce its new initiative: the launch of the FIDE Chess School Award. The award is established to enhance the quality and position of chess in the primary and secondary education systems around the world. We wish to provide recognition and motivation for existing Chess in Education activities and programs in schools through a certification process. The second objective is to inspire new schools to increase their level of involvement in educational chess. The FIDE Chess School Award provides an effective means to achieve these goals. Photo: Vincent Masole, FIDE School Instructor in Botswana Schools with inclusive programs that involve most of their students, many from varying abilities and backgrounds, have an excellent chance of receiving the award. Schools that celebrate diversity and demonstrate high social awareness in their communities, with a focus on commitment and shared interest between students, educators, and parents for a holistic, game-based approach to education beyond the traditional academic subjects, will also be granted the award. Several aspects of school chess are examined. There are ten questions altogether, and applicants are asked to answer each question in as much detail as possible and provide supporting evidence. Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards can be obtained depending on meeting all or some of the criteria. Applications are accepted in English, Spanish, Russian, and German languages, and we may add additional languages in the future. The application fee for the award is €150. Two application cycles are planned in each year. In the current cycle, applications are invited until March 31, with the awards announced in June. Please apply via the FIDE EDU website. For more information, see the FIDE Handbook or write to education@fide.com. Here are some reasons for applying:
FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship 2024: Registration is open
FIDE invites you to participate in the 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship, aimed at companies and corporations from across the world. Registration is now open on the 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship official website. Chess and business share similarities in strategic thinking, decision-making, competition, and the need for effective planning. Both involve navigating complex environments where individuals or companies must assess risks, seize opportunities, and formulate tactics to achieve their objectives. In both realms, success often hinges on the ability to analyze situations, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances. That is why bringing people from the world of business to chess makes sense! The inaugural World Corporate Chess Championship was held in 2021 and was completely online. The event witnessed a surge in interest from the business world, with participation from industry giants such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Facebook, Samsung, Ford, and others. The competition brought together 1,262 players representing 288 companies from 52 countries. Grenke Bank team emerged victorious, taking the title. This year’s edition will feature an over-the-board final, with top teams meeting in New York to decide the winner. Who can take part The event is open to teams representing legally recognized companies from all around the world. A participating company can register more than one team, with each team consisting of four members plus a team captain (who may or may not also be a player on the team). Every team has a right to have one invited player who is not directly employed at the company or a member of the board, while all other team members have to be working for/on the board of the company. In any round at any stage of the competition, each team must have at least one male and one female player playing. To ensure a level playing field, each team may only have one player whose FIDE standard rating exceeds 2400 (according to the January 2024 FIDE Rating list). The qualifying stages The FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship will consist of three stages: Online Qualifiers (played on Lichess.org) Online Knockout (played on Lichess.org) The Finals (played over-the-board at the grand finale in New York in June) The Online Qualifiers will be played in two different formats – Rapid (six rounds, played with a time limit of 10 minutes plus 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1) and Blitz (eight rounds, played at a time limit of 5 minutes plus 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1). The Online Qualifiers will be played as Team Swiss System tournaments. The team’s score shall be calculated as a sum of gamepoints. Each team will score 1 gamepoint for each game won, and ½ gamepoint for each game drawn, and 0 gamepoints for each game lost. The qualifier stages will take place on the following dates: Date Time Time control March 16 14:00 – 18:00 UTC Blitz March 17 14:00 – 18:00 UTC Rapid March 23 06:00 – 10:00 UTC Blitz March 24 22:00 – 02:00 UTC Rapid April 6 14:00 – 18:00 UTC Blitz April 7 06:00 – 10:00 UTC Rapid April 13 22:00 – 02:00 UTC Blitz April 14 14:00 – 18:00 UTC Rapid The top 8 teams in each qualifier’s final rankings will advance to the Online Knockout Stage. The knockouts will be organized on Saturday, April 20, between 14:00 and 18:00 UTC. The Finals will take place in New York on June 14-17. They will be played between eight winners of the Online Knockout Stage. The event will feature a group stage and a playoff stage. The prize Teams reaching the finals have their travel and accommodation expenses in New York covered. The winner will get FIDE’s recognition as the smartest company in the world. Players of the winning team will receive one Von Doren GRANDMASTER MARK II, WATCH. By taking a number of subtle style cues from chess, The Grandmaster Mark II pays tribute to the game that has captivated legions of followers for well over a millennium. The dial is steel white with a hint of shimmer, and the outer edge is decorated with a refined guilloché pattern as well as raised indexes in silver. Contrasted by cobalt blue lancet-shaped hands, the Grandmaster Mark II provides unbeatable readability. The Swiss Made STP 1-11 movement is visible through the caseback and is protected by a case of polished stainless steel and a double domed sapphire crystal. Delivered on an Italian handmade brown leather strap. Limited to 300 pieces. For more information see: vondoren.com/grandmaster-mark-ii Additionally, teams reaching the finals secure four seats each for an online simultaneous chess game against a participant of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024. Every participating team/corporate gets a digital diploma for participating. Regulations for World Corporate Chess Championship 2024 Official website
From Board to Wardrobe: Official FIDE Online Store Launched
FIDE is thrilled to announce the launch of its official online store! This digital storefront offers exclusive FIDE-branded merchandise, limited-edition collections, and much more. At the heart of the FIDE online shop is the desire to celebrate and share the rich heritage of chess and FIDE with the world. The store will feature products that embody the game’s spirit and history, allowing fans to connect with it on a more personal level. From stylish clothing and accessories to a special FIDE100 collection commemorating the federation’s centenary, there is something for everyone. From funky emojis to the historical Alekhine-Capablanca match, there is a lot to choose from! Fans can look forward to acquiring branded goodies from FIDE’s flagship events, starting with the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships. We have already shared our excitement for the line-up of events for the year, and you best believe that each tournament will have its own special merchandise. Additionally, in an exciting offering for collectors and fans alike, the FIDE online shop will also feature a range of items signed by some of the most prominent stars in the world of chess. As FIDE continues to promote chess and support its global community, the launch of the online shop marks a significant milestone in its mission. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a casual fan, or simply searching for a unique gift, the FIDE store has something for everyone. Understanding the global love for chess, we’ve ensured that our online shop caters to fans from every corner of the globe, offering worldwide shipping and various payment options to make your shopping experience seamless and enjoyable. We invite you to explore the FIDE online shop, immerse yourself in the world of chess, and join us in celebrating the game’s enduring legacy in the most stylish way. Visit shop.fide.com/ today. Don’t miss out! The first 64 customers get a 10% discount with the code “PLAYCHESS” at checkout.