FIDE Torch Arrives at the Triumphal Arch in Bucharest
The global celebration of FIDE’s centenary continues as the FIDE 100 Torch Relay arrives at the heart of the Romanian capital, Bucharest Hosted by the Romanian Chess Federation, the ceremony saw dignitaries, chess players, and fans gather in celebration. Romania, a formidable power in the chess world, will also mark the centenary of its own Chess Federation in 2025. The ceremonial lighting of the torch included children from local chess clubs, coaches, and players, symbolizing the unifying spirit of the FIDE100 chess flame. Attending the event on behalf of FIDE were Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board; Victor Bologan, FIDE Executive Director; Lukasz Turlej, Secretary General of the International Chess Federation; Michael Khodarkovsky, Vice President of FIDE’s Presidential Board; and Zurab Azmaiparashvili, President of the European Chess Union. The list of special guests also included Elisabeta Lipă, President of the Romanian National Agency for Sport; Andrei Novac, Secretary of State within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Cătălin Stegariu, General Director of the General Directorate of Gendarmes of Bucharest; Toma Laurențiu, Head of the Department of Military and Sports Activities; Cătălin Spirache, Chief Commissioner of Police and Deputy of the 1st District Police in Bucharest; Eugen Gligan of Special Telecommunications Service; Octavian Schen, General Director of the State Mint; Vlad Ardeleanu, President of the Romanian Chess Federation and George Tuță,Elected Mayor of the 1st District in Bucharest. Vlad Ardeleanu, President of the Romanian Chess Federation, expressed his gratitude to FIDE for including Bucharest in the centenary celebrations. He described the event as a “very touching and symbolic moment not only for chess but for sports in Romania.” “It is wonderful that we as a country can gather so many important people and have many symbolic [chess] events happening here, in Romania,” Ardeleanu remarked. He also praised the efforts of the Romanian Chess Federation in promoting chess, stating, “We at the Romanian Chess Federation are trying to make chess a national movement.” The FIDE Torch, a symbol of unity and celebration, has already travelled to Canada, Switzerland, India, Morocco, Ghana, and Colombia. Following Romania, the torch will proceed to Kazakhstan. Photos: Niki Riga
East Africa Cup: Teaching chess and life skills
Held annually in the last week of June in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, the East Africa Cup is now in its 21st year (2024). This year’s event featured football, basketball, chess, and daily seminars on crucial topics such as leadership, conflict resolution, child protection, and more. Chess and Lifeskills On the first day (June 20th), a special session engaged over 75 teenagers and young adults from diverse East African organizations and schools. This session blended theoretical and practical elements, providing participants with lessons in chess and essential life skills. The aim was to foster mental stimulation, strategic thinking, and personal development through chess, with a focus on the practical application of the learned life skills. Chess Competition Organized by the East Africa Cup secretariat and managed by the Iyanna Foundation, the chess competition took place over the next two days (June 21st and 22nd). Divided into two age categories (under 14 and above 14), the competition began with preliminary rounds on the first day to identify the top four players in each category. These top players then competed in the semifinals and finals held on the second day. The competition concluded with recognition for the top two players in each category, who received trophies and medals. Additionally, a special medal was awarded to the best female player, highlighting the event’s commitment to inclusivity and recognizing talent across genders. This structure not only celebrated competitive excellence but also promoted the holistic development of the participants by integrating chess with life skills training. Written by Elly O Goro