FIDE Travel – International Chess Federation

Arkady Dvorkovich advances chess development across Central America and the Caribbean

editor_d — Mon, 04 May 2026 20:04:38 +0000

President of FIDE, Arkady Dvorkovich, recently completed a multi-stop visit across the Caribbean and Central America, reinforcing FIDE’s commitment to expanding chess through education, institutional partnerships, and competitive opportunities.

In Barbados, Dvorkovich met with key officials, including the Minister of Educational Transformation, Chad Blackman, and the Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, to discuss integrating chess into the national education system. Talks focused on using the game to enhance critical thinking and student development. He also engaged with the President of the Barbados Chess Federation, Allan Herbert, exploring opportunities to grow the sport locally.

The FIDE President also met with the President of Barbados, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Davidson Bostic, underscoring the importance of chess at the national level. Their discussions also covered social and educational initiatives in the country, including how chess could be integrated into them.

The timing of the visit coincided with the 2026 Heroes Day Challengers Cup, hosted at the Central Bank of Barbados, further emphasizing the country’s active role in regional chess development.

The International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies, organized by World Research Society, is scheduled for October 03, 2026 in Bridgetown, Barbados. FIDE representatives were invited to participate.

In Saint Lucia, the visit centered on institutional development. Meetings with the Saint Lucia National Olympic Committee addressed closer cooperation and the federation’s potential integration into the Olympic structure, alongside broader collaboration with the International Olympic Committee.

In Panama, Dvorkovich marked chess’s debut in the South American Youth Games, symbolizing FIDE’s push to integrate chess into multi-sport events. He also held a series of meetings – both in person and online – with federations across the region.

Summing up the tour, the FIDE President emphasized strong alignment across countries:

“Following 25 in-person and online conversations… we share key priorities – from bringing chess to schools to training young talents and organizing events, including under the Olympic umbrella. Huge program ahead for FIDE AMERICA. Together!”

The visit highlights growing momentum for chess across Central America and the Caribbean, with a clear focus on sustainable development and regional cooperation.

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.

FIDE Special Tasks Director Akaki Iashvili visits Armenia to strengthen chess education cooperation

editor_d — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:38:47 +0000

Akaki Iashvili, FIDE Special Tasks Director, recently undertook an official working visit to Yerevan, Armenia.

His first stop was the Armenian State Pedagogical University – the institution responsible for training Armenia’s chess teachers. He was warmly welcomed by Acting Rector Lilit Mkrtchyan, who provided an overview of the university’s mission and academic activities.

Rector Mkrtchyan highlighted the university’s Chess degree programme, which prepares teachers to integrate chess into the classroom. She emphasized why Armenia regards chess as a serious academic discipline – not merely a game – and outlined the institution’s international collaborations. She explained why Armenia treats chess as a serious academic subject rather than merely a game and also spoke about the university’s international activities. Also present at the meeting were Vice-Rector Mariam Ispiryan and International Grandmaster Smbat Lputian – Founder-President of the Chess Academy of Armenia, Director of the “Chess” Scientific Research Institute, pioneer of the “Chess in Schools” programme, and First Vice-President of the Armenian Chess Federation.

Akaki Iashvili also visited the “Chess” Scientific Research Institute, based at the university. This institute is truly unique: nowhere else in the world does an institution dedicated entirely to researching chess as a school subject for children exist. Its work focuses on pedagogical methodologies, the cognitive and personal developmental benefits of chess education, and the continuous refinement of teaching practices.

Akaki Iashvili also visited Yerevan’s School No. 38, where he observed the programme in action. During his visit, he attended lessons, interacted with students and teachers, and witnessed firsthand how chess is seamlessly woven into the daily curriculum.

The parties also reviewed a number of strategic matters, including FIDE’s new event regulations, and several additional areas of cooperation.

As part of the itinerary, an inspection visit was conducted at the Tsaghkadzor resort, situated 2,100 meters above sea level near Lake Sevan. The venue is under consideration as a potential host venue for future FIDE events.

Deputy Chair of FIDE Management Board visits DR Congo to advance chess

editor_d — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:03:20 +0000

During her official visit to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, held a series of meetings with government officials and representatives from the education and sports sectors to discuss the development and promotion of chess in the country.

In a meeting with Didier Budimbu, Minister of Sports and Recreation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board emphasized the importance of supporting the National Chess Championship to ensure that players from all regions of the country have the opportunity to participate. Such support would help identify the strongest players and enable the formation of a competitive national team to represent the country at the Chess Olympiad. The Minister expressed his support for this initiative.

Discussions also focused on the introduction of chess in schools, an initiative that received positive feedback from the Ministry.

During a meeting with Theodore Kazadi Muayila, Deputy Minister of National Education and New Citizenship of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, several important projects were discussed, including:

Potential financing for the introduction of chess in approximately 200 schools, aligned with the educational priorities of UNICEF;
The preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which the International Chess Federation would support teacher training and provide educational resources for the implementation of chess in schools;
An invitation for representatives of the Ministry to visit Uzbekistan to learn from its successful experience in integrating chess into the national education system.

As part of the visit, Dana Reizniece also visited Maarif School in Kinshasa, where she met with students and educators and discussed the role of chess in education, critical thinking development, and youth empowerment.

In addition, Dana Reizniece gave a simultaneous exhibition organised in her honour at the headquarters of the Gombe Chess Club. Around fifteen players took part in the event, including four women, all eager to challenge the visiting Woman Grandmaster.

Among the participants, Josué Kanda distinguished himself as the only player to defeat Dana Reizniece. Christophe Binana also achieved a notable result by securing a draw. Both players are winners of the most recent National Chess Championship, highlighting the growing strength and talent of chess players in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

FIDE Director for Chess Development makes historic visit to Benin

editor_d — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:03:46 +0000

From February 12-15, 2026, Grandmaster Nigel Short, FIDE Director for Chess Development, visited Benin for the first time in the country’s history. The visit was part of FIDE’s ongoing efforts to promote chess and assess the situation in countries that do not yet have a national federation, such as Benin. The objective was to learn more about chess promotion efforts in Benin, understand local challenges, and identify obstacles to establishing a national federation – in order to jointly explore potential solutions.

The program included:

A working session and discussions with chess promoters in Benin
An appearance on the ACTU MATIN program on Canal 3
A meeting with the Secretary General of Benin’s Ministry of Sport
A simultaneous exhibition with 20 Beninese players
A culinary discovery and sightseeing tour of the city of Ouidah

Working Session with Chess Club Promoters in Benin

During his visit, the FIDE Director for Chess Development held a working session with chess club promoters at the Golden Tulip Le Diplomate Hotel to gain insight into the reality of chess in Benin. Elfried Dossavi-Messy, President of the Grand Roi Chess Club, spoke on behalf of the promoters, presenting Benin’s achievements over the past ten years. These included the chess-in-schools program, organized tournaments, public events, and international meetings where Benin sought connections with prominent figures – including federation presidents and FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan – to seek advice on promoting chess in Benin.

Nigel was impressed by all that had been achieved despite the absence of a national federation. He appreciated the positive momentum and growing understanding among stakeholders. He shared anecdotes about other federations and proposed solutions inspired by his experiences in other countries. Nigel also noted that Benin was already performing better than many existing federations.

Appearance on ACTU MATIN on Canal 3 Television

During the television appearance on Canal 3’s ACTU MATIN program, alongside Elfried Dossavi-Messy (Grand Roi Chess Club) and Victor Oyetola (La Forteresse Chess Club), Dossavi-Messy highlighted the gap between the strong response to chess initiatives in Benin and the absence of a federation – so that the guest could appreciate the momentum firsthand and consider strategic levers for establishing a federation. Oyetola presented the benefits of chess, including its role in psychosomatic structuring through strategic thinking, anticipation, patience, and memory enhancement.

Nigel Short was highly impressed by the quality of programs and initiatives carried out in Benin, as well as the dynamism and leadership shown by the chess movement’s team. He concluded that all indicators are favorable for Benin to establish a national federation. He emphasized that, despite not having a federation, Benin is already performing better than some countries with formally constituted federations. He noted that 20 million people play chess online daily and that at least 1,000 Beninese participate regularly. He expressed confidence that Benin is ready and that the internal process would move quickly – making Benin the next country to join FIDE. He also expressed hope to replicate Togo’s feat in Benin by winning the simultaneous exhibition.

Meeting at the Ministry of Sport

The meeting at the Ministry featured intense and fruitful discussions with the Ministry team, led by the Secretary General, who had been instructed by the Minister. After customary pleasantries, delegation spokesperson Elfried Dossavi-Messy explained the purpose of the visit, presenting Benin’s achievements in chess and the steps taken toward establishing a federation. The FIDE Director for Chess Development praised recent efforts and made a plea to the authorities to simplify the procedure for establishing a federation.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister, the Secretary General congratulated the promoters on their work and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting efforts to create a national chess federation – provided this is done in accordance with Benin’s current rules and regulations.

Nigel Short expressed his satisfaction, stating that, without wishing to interfere with Benin’s domestic law or influence decisions, he would appreciate any simplification of the association formalization process. He took the opportunity to outline the procedure, membership conditions, and key documents required for joining FIDE.

Simultaneous exhibition

To assess the level of Beninese players, a simultaneous exhibition was organized on February 14 in the Cèdre room of the Golden Tulip Le Diplomate Hotel, where Nigel Short took on 20 Beninese chess players. The Grandmaster achieved a sweeping victory, defeating all opponents. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the overall level was acceptable. While some players were stronger than others, he believes that continued training and participation in international competitions will lead to improvement – and that we may see FIDE Masters, International Masters, and even Grandmasters emerge from Benin in the years to come.

FIDE Vice-President Olalekan Adeyemi, who attended the session, expressed satisfaction and admiration for Benin’s progress in recent years. He noted that while FIDE could currently offer only limited support, it would spare no effort to provide more substantial assistance once the federation is established.

On behalf of the promoters, Elfried Dossavi-Messy expressed satisfaction, stating that Benin had passed with flying colors – both in terms of the visit’s outcomes and the resulting assessments. He emphasized the need to redouble efforts to achieve more significant results and, above all, to establish a national chess federation.

Culinary discovery & sightseeing tour

To combine business with pleasure, the FIDE Director for Chess Development was treated to a culinary discovery of local Beninese food and drinks, as well as a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Ouidah.

He visited the sacred forest of Kpassèzounmè, the slave route, the python temple, the Basilica of Ouidah, the arts market, and the Door of No Return. The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts between Nigel Short and Elfried Dossavi-Messy in memory of a pleasant stay in Cotonou.

FIDE Director for Chess Development visits Togo

editor_d — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:26:30 +0000

The Togolese Chess Federation (FTDE) welcomed FIDE Director for Chess Development, Grandmaster Nigel Short, for an official visit aimed at promoting and structuring the game across Togo. The visit is part of FIDE’s ongoing efforts to support national federations in Africa and foster sustainable chess growth on the continent.

During the visit, discussions focused on expanding the chess player base, structuring clubs, and enhancing coach training programs. The delegation and FTDE leadership shared strategies to create an environment conducive to discovering new talent and strengthening the organization of chess nationwide.

As part of the program, the FTDE organized a conference on the educational value of chess, bringing together young players and key partners, including the National Social Security Fund. Nigel Short highlighted the role of chess in developing concentration, decision-making skills, and strategic thinking, while emphasizing that regular tournaments and fostering a love for the game are critical to nurturing emerging talent.

FTDE President Me Ndjellé Abby Edah emphasized the federation’s commitment to democratizing chess starting from schools and broadening the licensed player base to boost Togo’s competitiveness at regional and international levels.

Commenting on FIDE’s support for Africa and Togo, Tshepiso Lopang, President of the African Chess Confederation, said: “FIDE’s continued engagement and support provide our federations with the tools and guidance needed to grow chess from the grassroots to the elite level. Nigel Short’s visit to Togo exemplifies FIDE’s commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening chess infrastructure across the continent.”

The visit also provided an opportunity to launch the Chess Popularization Program (PIVE), designed to promote chess among youth and integrate the game into educational and community settings. Supported by FIDE, the program aims to cultivate early interest in chess and expand participation across Togo.

Photos: African Chess Confederation

FIDE representatives visit Mongolia to support social and educational chess activities

editor_d — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:30:57 +0000

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – Representatives of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) visited Mongolia to become acquainted with the country’s social and educational chess initiatives and to further strengthen international cooperation in socially oriented chess programs.

The delegation included André Vögtlin, Chairman of the FIDE Social Commission and President of the Swiss Chess Federation, and Dr. Mikhail Korenman, Counselor to the FIDE Social Commission and founder and coordinator of the Chess for Freedom program.

During the visit, the delegation was honored to be received by the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Khassuuri Gankhuyag, who was presented with the Social Chess Year Award in recognition of Mongolia’s outstanding achievements and long-term contributions to social chess programs and community development initiatives.

The FIDE representatives also held an official meeting with the Chess Federation of Mongolia at the State Parliament building, together with its Deputy President, Galbadrakh Janchiv, Member of Parliament. During the meeting, the Mongolian side shared information about the country’s social and educational chess achievements, as well as its organizational structure and long-term development strategies.

Two leading chess academies – ABChess Academy and Steinitz Academy – presented their training programs, development policies for junior and youth players, and socially oriented chess projects. The parties exchanged views on international best practices and discussed potential opportunities for future cooperation.

André Vögtlin and Dr. Mikhail Korenman also visited the Women’s Federal Correctional Facility, whose team has participated in all Chess for Freedom championships and has won the competition three consecutive times. The delegation met with Colonel Batbayar Bumdari, Head of Prison No. 407.

In recognition of their contributions to the Chess for Freedom program and their support of socially impactful chess initiatives, representatives of the correctional facility were also presented with the Social Chess Year Award.

A particularly inspiring meeting took place with former members of the Mongolian women’s prison chess team. They shared their personal stories and experiences before, during, and after their participation in the Chess for Freedom program. Their testimonies demonstrated that chess is not only a game, but a powerful rehabilitative tool that fosters confidence, discipline, emotional resilience, and hope.

This visit marked an important milestone in strengthening Mongolia’s international cooperation, promoting the exchange of best practices with global chess organizations, and laying a strong foundation for future collaborative initiatives in the field of social and educational chess.

FIDE Director for Chess Development visits Ethiopia

editor_d — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 09:25:06 +0000

In his ongoing efforts to promote chess across Africa, FIDE Director for Chess Development, Grandmaster Nigel Short, paid a three-day visit to Ethiopia. He held a series of strategic meetings with local sports authorities, marking a significant step in strengthening the growth of chess in the country.

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa on December 5, Nigel Short was welcomed by Mekiyu Mohammed, Minister of Sport Development and Teshome Bekele Geleta, President of Ethiopian Chess Federation (ECF)

During their meeting, Minister Mekiyu Mohammed reaffirmed the government’s full support for the newly elected ECF leadership and expressed a strong commitment to close cooperation to elevate chess development nationwide. He emphasized the government’s readiness to facilitate and support the establishment of a FIDE Africa Office and ACC (African Chess Confederation) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, citing the city’s global diplomatic significance as the seat of the African Union and numerous international organizations. He highlighted that hosting these offices would accelerate both local and regional chess development.

Nigel Short underlined the global and educational importance of chess, reaffirming FIDE’s readiness to support the Ethiopian Chess Federation across all development areas. He warmly welcomed the government’s willingness to host FIDE and ACC offices in Addis Ababa, stressing the strategic importance such a move would bring to the continent.

Teshome Bekele Geleta expressed appreciation for the government’s continuous support and FIDE’s commitment. He noted that the Federation has ambitious plans to make chess an integral part of Ethiopian culture and highlighted that support from both the Ministry and FIDE is crucial to achieving this vision.

A second key meeting was held with Gezahagn, a Senior Official of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee (EOC), and Teshome Bekele Geleta. The FIDE Director emphasized the strategic importance of collaboration between the EOC and the Chess Federation, particularly in preparation for global events such as the Chess Olympiad.

Gezahagn expressed the EOC’s readiness to support the newly elected Federation leadership and to strengthen ongoing cooperation. Teshome Bekele Geleta conveyed his gratitude for the EOC’s commitment and reiterated the Federation’s readiness to work closely with the Olympic structure in all areas of mutual interest.

Nigel Short also attended both the opening and closing ceremonies of the National Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships. He presided over the medal ceremony at the closing event, which served as a major motivation and source of inspiration for participating players and the chess community.

As part of his visit, Nigel Short gave a simultaneous exhibition against 15 Ethiopian players, winning ten games, drawing three and losing two. Short remarked that this was one of the hardest simuls he had ever given and commended the high level and fighting spirit of the Ethiopian players.

FIDE Director for Chess Development also held an in-depth consultation with senior leaders of the Ethiopian Chess Federation. The discussion focused on long-term pathways for chess development, capacity building, and FIDE-ECF partnership enhancement.

Teshome Bekele Geleta expressed deep appreciation for GM Short’s timely and impactful visit, noting that it brought renewed motivation to players and administrators alike.

For his part, Nigel Short reaffirmed FIDE’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia in all aspects of chess development and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended during his stay.

Photos: Chess in Ethiopia

FIDE Director for Chess Development visits Antigua and Barbuda

editor_d — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:02:27 +0000

The Antigua and Barbuda Chess Federation warmly welcomed Nigel Short to Antigua. Greeting him on arrival were Hannibal Fleming (President), Matthew Bailey (Vice President), and Julian Piper (Media Manager and PR). Shortly after, the delegation joined a social gathering at the Cedar Valley Golf Club with Sir Vivian Richards (National Hero and legendary cricketer) and Leon “Kuma” Rodney (President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association).

During the evening, Sir Vivian Richards reflected on his connection to chess, recalling a visit from Viswanathan Anand during a tour of India and sharing the inspiration he drew from the 1972 Fischer–Spassky match.

The following day, Nigel Short hosted a simultaneous exhibition against some of Antigua’s strongest players, including members of the national team representing the country at Chess Olympiads.

He also encouraged the country’s female players, as Antigua plans to send its first women’s team to the 46^th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. Short won all eight of his games. The event was attended by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams and his wife, Sonja Williams, as well as Sir Vivian Richards and Kuma Rodney.

Next, Nigel Short and Hannibal Fleming appeared live on ABS Television to discuss the growth and future of chess in Antigua and Barbuda.

Afterwards, they met with several government officials: the Honorable Darryl Matthew (Minister of Education, Sports, and Cultural Affairs), the Honorable Paul “Chet” Greene (Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the National Olympic Committee), the Honorable Prime Minister Gaston A. Browne (Minister of Finance, Investments, and Corporate Governance), and the Honorable Charles Max Hernandez (Minister of Tourism). Each minister expressed strong support for the federation’s initiatives and pledged assistance with future events and resources.

The visit also included a stop at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, where the delegation met with Principal Professor Justin Robinson. He emphasized the importance of using chess to strengthen campus life through tournaments and instructional programs.

To conclude his trip, Nigel Short visited the Island Academy and Cobs Cross Primary School, where he introduced students to the fundamentals of chess and encouraged them to continue learning the game.

Text and photos: Antigua and Barbuda Chess Federation

FIDE Director for Chess Development visits Dominica to foster chess growth

editor_d — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:57:48 +0000

From 20 to 23 September 2025, Grandmaster Nigel Short, FIDE Director for Chess Development, visited the Caribbean island of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic). The visit carried special significance: his first trip in 2021 had inspired local players to establish the Dominica Chess Federation, which was formally registered and admitted as a FIDE member later that same year.

Since then, chess life in the country has developed rapidly. Today, the Federation unites 67 registered members and around 100 active players, while approximately 1,500 island residents have been introduced to the game. Dominica fielded teams at the 2022 Chess Olympiad in the open section and at the 2024 Olympiad in both the open and women’s categories. National players have also participated in the prestigious CARICOM International Chess Tournament in 2024 and 2025, as well as in internationally rated hybrid competitions. The Federation regularly stages national championships and open and women’s tournaments. In 2025, in collaboration with the Confederation of Chess for America, it organised the island’s first chess festival, an event that attracted broad media coverage and became a milestone for the wider community.

Particular attention is being given to work with youth and schools. After receiving 400 chess sets from the Confederation of Chess for America in collaboration with the Gift of Chess programme, the Federation began distributing them to educational institutions. Already, eight Dominican schools have their own chess clubs, where students engage in training sessions, masterclasses, and tournaments. Chess life is also sustained online: interisland competitions are held every Sunday on lichess.org, while on Thursdays, players gather for regular meetings on the University of the West Indies campus.

Women and girls in Dominica receive additional support through the Queen’s Gambit Challenge—a global initiative of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess. This programme provides free training and mentorship designed to strengthen skills and confidence, creating opportunities to represent the country on the international stage.

During his September 2025 visit, Nigel Short met again with the Federation’s leadership and the country’s leading players. His schedule included a simultaneous exhibition at the Fort Young Hotel, where seventeen young talents and three invited participants took their places at the boards. The event drew a large audience, who watched with keen interest and were inspired by the Grandmaster’s skill.

The visit also included stops at St. Mary’s Academy and Convent High School. At St. Mary’s Academy—the Federation’s most successful Chess in Schools institution and winner of the 2024 School Chess Tournament—GM Short met with Principal Mrs. Sylvia Jno. Baptiste, who highlighted the school’s progress and commitment to chess education. The Grandmaster spoke to students about the global benefits of chess, engaged with them directly, and presented commemorative chess pins to over twenty students in a special ceremony.

At Convent High School, GM Short was welcomed by Principal Ms. Isabella Prentice and club teacher Mr. Nicholas Goldberg. In a lively discussion with more than twenty students, including national women’s champion Ayani Casimir, he shared advice on improving their play, encouraged them to work hard, and answered questions about his career and experiences at the highest level of the game.

Beyond the schools, the programme featured meetings with representatives of the tourism sector and potential partners, as well as a press conference and interviews focused on the development of chess in Dominica and across the Caribbean.

The Dominica Chess Federation regards this visit as a fresh impetus for the growth and consolidation of the national movement. Support from FIDE, the attention of international experts, and the enthusiasm of the local community are creating a strong foundation for the further advancement of chess on the island and for Dominica’s deeper integration into the global chess family.