#Panama – International Chess Federation

Chess debuts at South American Youth Games

editor_d — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:35:03 +0000

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich visited Panama to take part in activities aimed at strengthening the role of chess in education and supporting its growth across Latin America.

During the visit, he attended the 2026 South American Youth Games, a continental multi-sport event for young athletes. This is the first edition of the Games to include chess in the official program, providing new competitive opportunities for young players. FIDE President made the ceremonial first move and later participated in the awards ceremony.

Alongside the Games, a seminar for school instructors was held, bringing together around 40 teachers from Panama. The seminar focused on modern methods of teaching chess in schools, equipping educators with practical tools to introduce the game to pupils and integrate it into the learning process. This initiative forms part of FIDE’s broader commitment to promoting chess as an educational tool worldwide.

“Developing chess at the grassroots level is essential for the future of our sport. By introducing chess in schools, we not only nurture future champions but also equip children with valuable life skills. It is especially symbolic that 2026 has been designated as the Year of Chess in Education, reinforcing our global commitment to this mission,” said Dvorkovich.

As part of the visit, he also met with Damaris Young Aranda, the President of the Panama Olympic Committee, Mario Moccia, First Vice President of ODESUR, and José Carrillo Pujol, President of the Confederation of Chess for America. The discussions explored future joint initiatives to further develop chess across Latin America.

In recent years, the region has emerged as a dynamic hub for international chess, hosting major events such as the FIDE World Youth U16 Chess Olympiad in Colombia. Strengthening partnerships with continental organizations remains a strategic priority for FIDE as it continues to invest in the long-term, sustainable growth of the game.

Panamanian championship: Sanchez Alvarez and Vasquez Jaen win titles

KN — Thu, 05 May 2022 23:48:23 +0000

The Panamanian championship (open and women’s sections) took place from April 27 to May 5 in the Creole Chess Club, Panama. Both tournaments were 10-player round-robins with classical time control.

Despite suffering an unexpected defeat at the hands of Andre Mendez in Round 4, the rating favourite, IM Roberto Carlos Sanchez Alvarez, scored an impressive 7/9 and clinched his third straight national title. Three players tied for second place, netting 6/9 each, with Slim Roses Alex Antonio and Efren Andres Ramos Espinoza claiming silver and bronze, respectively, based on the results of the direct encounters.

The women’s event was a much closer contest with several players rated 1600+ vying for the top position. Lourdes Lorena Vasquez Jaen emerged victorious, finishing a half-point ahead of three players sharing the second place. Sonneborn-Berger-Tie-Break variable favoured Yolys Desiree Rondon Chancon and Ashley Alexandra Castillo Beitia, taking silver and bronze, respectively. Unlike the champion, both completed the event unbeaten.

Interestingly enough, the three titled players taking part in the women’s tournament did not make it to the podium.

Final standings Open:

1	Sanchez Alvarez, Roberto Carlos	2441	7
2	Alex Antonio, Slim Roses	2143	6
3	Ramos Espinoza, Efren Andres	2136	6
4	Leon Archibaldo, Orlando Andres	2195	6
5	Tapia Ostolaza, Alexei	2227	5½
6	Sanchez Manzanares, Jorge Luis	2078	5
7	Neira Rodriguez, Carlos Fernando	2015	4
8	Andre, Mendez	1943	3½
9	Riquelme, Eduard	1873	1
10	Jimenez Pedro	1813	1

Finals standings Women:

1	Vasquez Jaen, Lourdes Lorena	1613	7
2	Rondon Chacon, Yolys Desiree	1699	6½
3	Castillo Beitia, Ashley Alexandra	1608	6½
4	Chung Hurtado, Yaleika	1698	6½
5	Gonzalez Ramirez, Yaribeth	1643	6
6	Munoz Henriquez, Alba Esther	1602	4
7	Lobo Jimenez, Mariana Esther	1381	3½
8	Navarro Valdes, Mariana Del Carmen	1276	2½
9	Chavarria Troy, Keytleen Denis	1427	2
10	Arosemena Castillero, Betty	1472	0½

FIDE presents chess at ODECABE General Assembly in Panama

KN — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 12:57:19 +0000

On October 31st ODECABE General Assembly of National Olympics Committees (Central America and Caribe Countries Games) took place in the Wyndham Albrook Hotel in Panama City Panama.

FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan made a presentation and elaborated on the benefits of including chess into the 2022 Central America and Caribe Games (CACG) which will be held in Panamá City, Panamá.

The presentation had great success with very positive comments from some NOC Presidents in particular from Venezuela and Costa Rica about chess as a serious sport. Now ODECABE will present the chess proposal to the Technical Committee which is to make the decision on the inclusion of chess into CACG.

The Panama Chess Federation together with the NCF Presidents of Venezuela and Mexico Fidel Gonzalez and Mario Ramirez made a considerable contribution to the organization of presentation. A special chess exhibition outside the Assembly Hall was staged so the delegates could familiarize themselves with the game.