IOC President Thomas Bach. PHOTO: IOC / Alexander Hassenstein

We would like to thank IOC President Thomas Bach for the kind letter he sent to FIDE on the occasion of the International Chess Day and the First Online Chess Olympiad, that we reproduce here in full:

Dear President,

Dear participants,

Please accept my congratulations on the occasion of the first-ever World Chess Day, as recognised by the United Nations. This celebration of one of the world’s most ancient mind sports is also an illustration of the important contribution that sport as a whole brings to society.

Let me congratulate the World Chess Federation on launching the FIDE Online Olympiad 2020, which is bringing together the world’s best chess players, promoting the inclusive values of sport, excellence, friendship and respect, while at the same time setting an example of how to organise a competition in innovative and safe ways during this global health crisis. Please accept my best wishes for success to all the participants and organisers of the FIDE Online Olympiad 2020.

The post-corona world will need sport, and sport will always build bridges and brings people together in peaceful competition. In this Olympic spirit of excellence, respect and fair-play, I wish you all a successful online competition.