FIDE Torch Relay heads to Latin America
The FIDE 100 Torch Relay, marking the centennial celebration of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is set to light up Latin America Following celebrations in India, Africa, Switzerland, Canada and Morocco, the FIDE100 Torch is making its way to Latin America. The nine-day event in Medellin, Colombia’s second-largest city, will bring together FIDE officials, players and chess fans from the continent. The central ceremony will take place on May 26, when the Torch Relay will make its journey through five public parks in Medellin, all having a chess theme connected to them. The caravan will depart from the Chess Park (Antioquia Chess League) – the only park in Latin America designed specifically for chess. From there, the caravan will make its way to the University of Antioquia, continue to the Jorge Eliecer Gaitan Park and then move to the Plazoleta San Ignacio. The caravan will continue to the Plazoleta of the Estadio subway station before returning to the chess park, a landmark location for chess in Latin America. The nine-day celebration will feature a classical chess tournament – the XVII Absolute Chess Championship of the Americas 2024. Organized by the Chess Confederation for America, the event is a part of the FIDE World Championship cycle and is open to all Chess Federations of the American Continent, featuring some of the best chess players from the Americas. In addition, there will be a Rapid and a Blitz tournament. In addition, the former world champion candidate Veselin Topalov will do social chess activities in a Colombian prison, a pediatric hospital and chess schools of Medellin. Other prominent chess players participating in the events are GM Shirov (Spain) and the U20 junior world champion from Argentina Candela Francisco. “It is a great honor for Colombia to be chosen as the Latin American host of the FIDE100 Torch Relay. Chess has an important place in our culture and a growing interest from the public, and this event will help promote the game further. Latin America has a prominent place in chess history so it’s only natural to have one of the torch ceremonies here. We are looking forward to welcoming the Torch and FIDE officials, and – for a few days – to take center stage in the chess world, celebrating 100 years of the International Chess Federation,” said Weymar Fernando Munoz, President of the Colombian Chess Federation. “We are proud that Colombia is part of our jubilee, and we are thankful for the event they have prepared. In recent years, Colombia and Latin America, in general, have seen chess grow in popularity, and it is only natural for FIDE to look for having more events and chess opportunities hosted in this part of the world,” said Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board.
Chess for Freedom Conference: List of speakers announced
FIDE is excited to announce the list of distinguished speakers for the upcoming Chess for Freedom Conference, scheduled to take place from June 19 to 21, 2024, in Pune, India. FIDE, in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation, is organizing the conference, hosted by the All India Chess Federation and the Maharashtra Chess Association. The event aims to explore the transformative power of chess as a rehabilitation tool in correctional facilities worldwide. Registration of participants is open until June 07, 2024, via the following link. Conference schedule: Day 1: June 19, 2024 Keynote Speakers: ● “Chess for Freedom project in India“: Chairman of Indian Oil Corp. will discuss the partnership project. ● “How to achieve 40 facilities in the Championship?“: Adolfo Jesus Toledo Infanzón from Mexico will share details on the Chess for Freedom initiative in Mexico. ● “Supporting Talents in Prisons“: Dr. Cris Fanning, Executive Director, Kansas Department of Corrections, will present online on statewide chess initiatives in the USA. ● “Achievements and the future: Intercontinental Chess Championship for prisoners“: Nebojsa Baralic will highlight past successes and future plans. ● “Chess puzzles in prisons, and their relevance to life on the outside“: Carl Portman from England will present online on the importance of chess puzzles for inmates. On Day 1, conference participants will also visit the Yerawada Correctional Facility, play chess with the inmates, and have a presentation by the prison authorities. The presentation will cover how Indian Oil is implementing chess and other sports programs. Day 2: June 20, 2024 Speakers and Presentations: ● All India Chess Federation will open the day, followed by personal stories from former inmates Steven Maruwo, Hector G. and Emanuel Garcia ● “Step-by-step to implement Chess for Freedom in prisons” by Grandmaster Kevin Goh Wei Ming outlines the exact program ● “Building Bridges: Tips, Tricks, and Encouragement for Successful Volunteer Engagement in Correctional Setting” Lāsma Kokoreviča from Latvia will discuss volunteer engagement in correctional settings. ● “Chess Reinvented: Tailoring Training Strategies for Inmate Learners” Boris Bruhn from Germany will talk about tailoring chess training for inmates. ● “Chess in prisons for resocialization: Evidence-based approach” Mikhail Korenman from the USA will present an evidence-based approach to using chess for resocialization. ● “Social Chess – so much more than a game” André Vögtlin, FIDE Social Commission Chair, will discuss the broader social impact of chess. Panel Discussions and Workshops: ● A panel discussion on “Chess for Youth Freedom” will feature David Acheampong, Kevin Goh Wei Ming, Nebojsa Baralic, and a representative from India. ● A workshop titled “Let’s Shape the Future of the Chess for Freedom” will be conducted by André Vögtlin. Gala and Networking Events: ● The conference will include a gala dinner and awards ceremony hosted by Indian Oil Corp. and FIDE, offering opportunities for networking and celebrating achievements. About the Speakers: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya Shrikant Madhav Vaidya is the Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., India’s largest oil refiner and fuel retailer. He is a Chemical Engineer from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, with over 36 years of extensive experience in the downstream petroleum industry. Vaidya is a prominent figure in the global energy sector, known for his work on integrating refinery and petrochemical operations. Under his leadership, Indian Oil has embarked on a green transition path to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2046. Vaidya has also been instrumental in launching initiatives like the ‘Prison to Pride’ program, which uses sports, including chess, to rehabilitate prison inmates (IndianOil). Adolfo Jesus Toledo Infanzón Toledo Infanzón is a key advocate for the Chess for Freedom initiative in Mexico. He has played a significant role in expanding the program to numerous correctional facilities, aiming to reach 40 facilities across the country. His efforts focus on using chess as a rehabilitative tool to help inmates develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Dr. Cris Fanning, Executive Director of Programs and Risk Management, Kansas Department of Corrections Dr. Cris Fanning oversees various programs and risk management initiatives within the Kansas Department of Corrections. She has been a strong proponent of integrating chess into correctional education programs, highlighting its benefits in supporting inmate talents and aiding in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Nebojsa Baralic Nebojsa Baralic has been pivotal in organizing the Intercontinental Chess Championship for prisoners, which has seen significant success and growth. His work focuses on showcasing the achievements of inmate chess players and planning future expansions of the championship to include more countries and facilities. Carl Portman Carl Portman is an expert on the application of chess puzzles in correctional facilities and the author of the book “Chess Behind Bars.” He advocates for using these puzzles to help inmates develop strategic thinking and cognitive skills that are beneficial for their lives after release. He will present online on the relevance of chess puzzles to life skills. Steven Maruwo, Hector G. and Emanuel Garcia These former inmates will share their personal journeys of transformation through chess while incarcerated. Their stories provide powerful testimonies to the positive impact of chess on personal development and rehabilitation. Kevin Goh Wei Ming Grandmaster Goh Wei Ming is an accomplished chess player and coach who will discuss the step-by-step process for implementing the Chess for Freedom program in prisons. His presentation will focus on practical strategies and best practices for successful implementation. Lāsma Kokoreviča Lasma Kokoreviča is an officer of a penitentiary authority in Latvia, an expert in volunteer engagement within correctional settings. She will provide strategies for successfully involving volunteers in chess programs, emphasizing the importance of community support and involvement. Boris Bruhn Boris Bruhn specializes in adapting chess training to suit the needs of inmate learners. His presentation will cover innovative methods for making chess education engaging and effective for incarcerated individuals. Mikhail Korenman Mikhail Korenman will present an evidence-based approach to using chess for resocialization. His work emphasizes the measurable benefits of chess programs in correctional facilities, including improved cognitive skills and reduced recidivism rates. André Vögtlin, FIDE Social Commission Chair and President of the Swiss Chess Federation André Vögtlin will discuss the broader social impact of chess, highlighting its role beyond the game itself. As the FIDE Social Commission Chair, he has been instrumental in promoting chess as a tool for social good and rehabilitation.
Unveiling triumphs of 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival
IM Himal Gusain was crowned the DICF Player of the Year in the 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2024, while Sandithi Kusalya Alwis emerged as the Women’s Champion of the event. The 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2024 took place from 17th to 21st May 2024, boasting a record-breaking participation of 472 players. Held at the prestigious S. Thomas De Silva Memorial Auditorium, Dharmasoka College, the DICF 2024 was a FIDE-rated event offering both standard and blitz championships. The Old Boys’ Chess Association organized this esteemed competition with the affiliation of FIDE, the Asian Chess Federation, and the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka. Inaugurated in 2011, the Dhamso International Chess Festival remains the first FIDE-rated event organized by a school-affiliated association in Sri Lanka. This year’s event offered a total prize fund of one million five hundred thousand LKR, including trophies, medals, and certificates for all participants, along with a special cash prize of One hundred and fifty thousand LKR for the DICF Player of the Year. The tournament featured top players from Sri Lanka and beyond, with International Master Himal Gusain of India leading the ranks. International Master Harshana Thilakarathna of Sri Lanka, second in starting list, also graced the event. Parallel to the main event, the Dhamso International Blitz Chess Championship 2024 unfolded on the evening of May 18th, 2024. Harsha Senatathne and WCM K M Dahamdi Sanudula emerged victorious in the Open and Women categories of the blitz event, respectively. T H D Thisarindu Induwara and C C Weerasinghe secured the first and second runners-up positions in the Open category, while Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage and M Esandi Newansa claimed the corresponding positions in the Women’s category. Left to right: IM Himal Gusain, Raweendra Pushpakumara, K A D Karunarathna, Sasith Nipun Piyumantha (Presiden of Dharmasoka College Old Boys’ Chess Association) In the main event, IM Himal Gusain clinched the Open Championship with a remarkable score of 9.5/10 points, conceding only one draw to IM Harshana Thilakarathne, who secured the first runner-up position with 9/10 points. G W D M Dabarera completed the podium, netting 8.5/10 points. Complete final standings In the Women’s Championship, Sandithi Kusalya Alwis emerged victorious, edging out competitors in a closely contested competition. Four players tied for first place with 7.5/10 points. Based on tiebreaks, Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage and B Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera took second positions, respectively, while J M Theruni Jayasundara had to settle for fourth place. Left to right: Raweendra Pushpakumara, K A D Karunarathna, Sasith Nipun Piyumantha (Presiden of Dharmasoka College Old Boys’ Chess Association),Sandithi Kusalya Alwis The University of Moratuwa claimed the championship title in the Higher Education Teams category, with Sabaragamuwa University finishing second. In the Government Service and Mercantile Teams category, Sri Lanka Navy Western Command and Sri Lanka Navy Southern Command emerged as the champions and runners-up, respectively. The awards ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Raweendra Pushpakumara, the chief guest, who was the first chess coach of Dharmasoka College and former master in charge of chess, who currently serves as the Principal of Sri Sumangala College, Panadura. Additionally, Mr Luxman Wijesuriya, President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, was present, along with Mr Saman Priyantha Wijewickrama and Mr K A D Karunarathna, Principal of Dharmasoka College, further highlighting the significance of the event in the chess community. The success of the 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2024 is owed to the generous support of sponsors, including Qatar Alumina of Dharmasoka College, Dharmasoka College Past Pupils’ Association – UAE, AKRA FOTO Digital Colourlab & Studio, INLUCK Computers & Printers, and Panhinda Bookshop. Congratulations to all the winners! Anticipation builds for the 12th edition of the Dhamso International Chess Festival in 2025. Written by Malith Akalanka Photos: Dhamso Chess Facebook