At a ceremony in Paris, the President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich, and the President of the International School Sport Federation (ISF), Laurent Petrynka, signed a Memorandum of Understanding which aims to incorporate chess in sports events for students organized by the ISF

The partnership outlines key objectives, including establishing chess as a recognized sport among National School Sports Federations, specifying FIDE's role in organizing ISF Chess competitions, and promoting chess in education at local and international levels. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to attract school-age chess enthusiasts and enhance chess visibility in the media.

FIDE and ISF will jointly initiate programs encouraging school students to embrace chess, promote girls' school sports, and utilize school chess competitions as a platform for testing new rules and formats.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "ISF is the largest sports organization globally focusing on school sports. We are delighted to have signed this agreement to include chess in their events. With cooperation from ISF, we are opening new paths for young people to take up this beautiful sport."

ISF President Laurent Petrynka spoke highly of the value of chess: "Chess is an intensely competitive and strategic sport. Young individuals engage in chess to develop skills such as keen perception, quick thinking, and strategic planning, challenging and strengthening their mental resilience. Many qualities of chess make it highly suitable for promotion in schools."

"Within the framework of this MOU, ISF is committed to wholeheartedly promoting chess within ISF events and its member organizations, including national school sports federations. Harnessing the popularity of this sport, ISF aims to drive school sports and educational activities, fostering fair competition and gender equality in sports. Additionally, ISF is delighted to note that FIDE has officially included ISF Chess events in its calendar and will provide support in competition management, technical officials' training, and other aspects to facilitate the rapid growth of global school sports."

The initial step following the agreement will be the inclusion of chess at the upcoming ISF Gymnasiade in Manama, Bahrain, from October 23 – 31. Hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain and under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the event will bring together school students from around the world to participate in 25 different sports, including para-sports, over eight days. Activities will range from inspiring workshops to seminars, providing students and teachers with a unique opportunity to interact with peers from across the globe. To learn more about the event and to register your team, please visit: events.isfsports.org/isf-gymnasiade-bahrain-2024/.

Photos: Nicolas Launay

About the ISF

Established in 1972 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee since 1995, the International School Sport Federation (ISF) encompasses its motto, "We are school sport". As the global umbrella for national school sports organizations, ISF engages with over 200,000 schools across 134 member countries. ISF provides school children aged 13-18 by hosting events globally and featuring a diverse competition and education program with over 30 sports, including para-sports. Its mission is to expand education through sport and encourage a healthy lifestyle, as well as support the physical and mental health of youth worldwide. ISF is hosting the world's biggest international sports events for school students, including the flagship ISF Gymnasiades.