Dear member federations, 

Very soon, on July 20th, we will celebrate International Chess Day. As you probably know, this also marks FIDE's 98th anniversary. 

Like in previous years, we would like to invite you to celebrate and join us in our campaign, encouraging other members of the chess community to spend this day teaching someone how to play chess. 

This is not only one of the most effective ways to grow the game, but it also helps to create strong bonds between members of a family, a neighbourhood, or at school. This is probably why this initiative received a very warm welcome in 2020 and 2021, and FIDE is determined now to turn it into a permanent tradition. 

You could teach a kid how to play, as it would be easier and more rewarding for you both! But it can also be a grown-up since learning chess has beneficial effects at any age. To align with the Year of the Woman in Chess, we particularly encourage you to teach a girl how to play chess. 

Either way, choose someone close to you. You can change somebody's life by teaching him/her a beautiful game, but you will also be spending some quality time and creating or reinforcing a special bond with that person. If your children already play, maybe you can invite your nephew or your son's best friend. Maybe you can finally teach your boyfriend how to play or your high-school best mate. Or you could propose this as an after-work activity with your colleagues at the office. 

Please share this call to action with your regional federations and chess clubs, and encourage them to share their experience on social media using the hashtag #InternationalChessDay, so their actions can inspire others. 

If you have any doubts or suggestions, or you think you can contribute to this campaign in some other way, please don't hesitate to contact us at socialmedia@fide.com. 

Best regards, 

David Llada

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer