The FIDE World School Chess Championship 2024 has officially begun in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia, often referred to as the capital of chess and tourism. The event runs from March 19 to March 29, 2025.
During the opening ceremony, which featured a performance by the children’s choir “Vrnjačke Iskrice,” President Andrija Jorgić welcomed all participants and guests on behalf of the Chess Federation of Serbia.
FIDE delegate Özgür Solakoğlu also addressed the audience, especially praising the Chess Federation of Serbia and President Jorgić for their efforts in integrating chess into school curricula across the country.
The Mayor of Vrnjačka Banja, Boban Đurović, reminded attendees that the city was hosting a major sports event for the third consecutive year and expressed hope that this trend would continue.
The Minister of Sports of the Republic of Serbia, Zoran Gajić, delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting Serbia’s rich chess heritage.
To conclude the ceremony, Mr. Gajić and Mr. Đurović made the symbolic first move, after which Chief Arbiter Nenad Dorić officially declared the competition open.
According to the final figures provided by the organizers, 461 participants from 43 national federations are competing across six age categories: U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, and U17, with separate Open and Girls events.
Photos: Chess Federation of Serbia
Official website: worldschool2025.fide.com