{"id":33458,"date":"2025-04-06T15:35:50","date_gmt":"2025-04-06T15:35:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/?p=33458"},"modified":"2025-04-06T15:49:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-06T15:49:09","slug":"infinite-spectrum-awareness-and-recognition-follow-up-on-celebrating-autism-inclusion-through-chess-and-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/infinite-spectrum-awareness-and-recognition-follow-up-on-celebrating-autism-inclusion-through-chess-and-community\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cInfinite Spectrum: Awareness and Recognition\u201d \u2013 Follow-up on celebrating autism inclusion through chess and community"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"33458\" class=\"elementor elementor-33458\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db41a49 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"db41a49\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7aa2ffb elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7aa2ffb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1279\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-01.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-33461\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-01.jpg 1279w, https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-01-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-01-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1279px) 100vw, 1279px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b270c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4b270c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>On April 6, the Infinite Chess initiative hosted \u201cInfinite Spectrum: Awareness and Recognition\u201d<\/strong>, a transformative online event that united global advocates, educators, and families to advance autism awareness and inclusion. With powerful speeches, heartfelt stories, and the premiere of an exclusive project video, the meetup illuminated how chess and community support can unlock potential for children on the spectrum.<\/p><p>The event began with inspiring words from\u00a0<strong>Dana Reizniece<\/strong>\u00a0(Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board and Project Supervisor),\u00a0<strong>Andr\u00e9 V\u00f6gtlin<\/strong>\u00a0(Chair of the FIDE Social Commission), and<strong>\u00a0Anastasia Sorokina<\/strong>\u00a0(Chair of FIDE Women\u2019s Commission and Infinite Chess Project Leader). Their messages underscored FIDE\u2019s commitment to leveraging chess as a tool for social impact.<\/p><p>A highlight of the opening was the premiere of \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/oMSO71bAigA\">FIDE Infinite Chess \u2013 A Visionary Approach to Modern Chess<\/a>\u201c, created with immense support of\u00a0<strong>Kazakhstan Chess Federation<\/strong>\u00a0a 10-minute video showcasing the project\u2019s mission, strategic partnerships, and real-world impact. The film set the stage for discussions on how chess transcends borders and abilities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f728af elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"4f728af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1191\" height=\"335\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-02.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-33462\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-02.jpg 1191w, https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-02-300x84.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-02-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-02-768x216.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1191px) 100vw, 1191px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bcd4737 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bcd4737\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><u>Key moments that inspired action<\/u><\/strong><\/p><p><strong>1. Dismantling Stigma with Practical Solutions<\/strong><\/p><p>Doreen Dia, Occupational Therapist and CEO\/founder of iPromise Rehab and Care Services in The Gambia, shared actionable strategies to combat societal stigma. Her insights emphasized:<\/p><ul><li>The role of community education in fostering acceptance.<\/li><li>Adaptive learning techniques for neurodiverse children.<\/li><li>How local advocacy creates systemic change.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u201cBreaking stigma starts with small, courageous conversations,\u201d she reminded attendees.<\/p><p><strong>2. Chess as a Catalyst for Growth<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Ritha James Makame<\/strong>, Life Skills Coordinator at the Ilyanna Foundation and Infinite Chess teacher, revealed the challenges and triumphs of teaching chess to children with autism. Her approach\u2014rooted in patience and creativity\u2014demonstrated how the game:<\/p><ul><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Enhances cognitive flexibility and problem-solving. <\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Builds social connections through structured interaction. <\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Empowers teachers and parents to collaborate effectively.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>3. A Mother\u2019s Unwavering Love<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Renata Nair<\/strong>, mother of Teegan (a student in the Infinite Chess project, South Africa), moved the audience with her raw, hopeful journey. She described:<\/p><ul><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The pivotal role chess played in Teegan\u2019s confidence and focus. <\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">How community support alleviates isolation for families. <\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Why inclusive programs like Infinite Chess are lifelines.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p>\u201cEvery small victory is a testament to what\u2019s possible,\u201d Renata shared.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fafa441 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"fafa441\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"578\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-03.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-33463\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-03.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-03-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-03-768x434.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cb92fd1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cb92fd1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Honoring Champions: The Infinite Chess partners awards<\/strong><\/p><p>The event culminated in the Infinite Chess Partners Awards, celebrating unsung heroes in autism advocacy. Winners\u2014nominated included:<\/p><ul><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Pioneer Partner \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0Pep Su\u00e1rez, Olimpia Chess Academy (Menorca), Luis Blanso de la Cruz, Madrid Chess Academy, Club Ajedrez 64 Villalba (Spain), Sharon Whatley, Gibraltar Chess Association (Gibraltar), Franck Droin (France).<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Regional Growth Leader<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Pep Su\u00e1rez, Olimpia Chess Academy (Menorca), Erick Takawira, KZN Chess Academy (South Africa), Kanthi Sarjoo, The Browns\u2019 School (South Africa), Sharon Whatley, Gibraltar Chess Association (Gibraltar).<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Accuracy and Detail Excellence<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Viesturs Kap\u010de (Latvia), Buddhi Nirukshi Panagoda (UK), Rita Wu, Taiwan Youth Chess Association (Taiwan).<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Event Participation Champion<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Melodi Dincel (Turkey), Charomova Evguenia (New Zealand), Susana Gon\u00e7alves, Association Chess2All (Portugal).<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Innovation Leader \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0Ng Teck Sen, Bumblebee Training Centre (Malaysia), Anu Bayar, ABChess Academy (Mongolia), Keunae Choe, EBC Foundation (USA).<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Outstanding Support \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0Luciano Gomes de Sousa (Brazil), Christina Aziz (The Gambia), Viviane Bejjani-Aziz (The Gambia), Elly O. Goro, IYANNA FOUNDATION (Tanzania).<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Collaboration Excellence<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Kamal Daoudi, INSTITUTION TAHAR SEBTI (Morocco), Dalila Mougaa, INSTITUTION TAHAR SEBTI (Morocco), Albanian Chess Federation.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Impactful Communicator \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0Dr. Ankita Sanghavi, Innocent Times School (India), Netra Patkar, ZEP Rehabilitation Centre (India), Mark Bryan (Cyprus).<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-deaeb3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"deaeb3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The awards underscored the power of collective effort in driving inclusion.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e586dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2e586dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"457\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-04.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-33464\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-04.jpg 1011w, https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-04-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IC-04-768x438.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d7fb14 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0d7fb14\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u201cWhat an inspiring event! Today, we\u2019ve shared knowledge, stories, and hope. Let\u2019s carry this momentum forward\u2014keep advocating, connecting, and uplifting. A huge thank you to our speakers, attendees, and the Infinite Chess team. Stay tuned for future events, and remember: every step counts in creating a more inclusive world. Until next time\u2014take care, stay inspired, and keep shining!\u201d were Maria Tamkovich&#8217;s closing words.<\/p><p><strong>Carrying the Momentum Forward<\/strong><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/oMSO71bAigA\"><strong>Watch &amp; Share the Infinite Chess video<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to spread awareness.<\/p><p>Recorded video of the online meetup.<\/p><p>Join the Movement via #InfiniteChess\u00a0on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/infinitechess.fide.com\/2025\/02\/13\/follow-us-on-social-media\/\">social media<\/a>.\u00a0Support inclusive chess programs in your community.<\/p><p>A heartfelt thank you to all speakers, attendees, and the Infinite Chess team for making this event a milestone in autism advocacy. Together, we\u2019re proving that chess is more than a game\u2014it\u2019s a universal language of opportunity.<\/p><p><strong>\u201cThe spectrum is infinite, and so is our potential to make a difference.\u201d<\/strong><\/p><p>Infinite Chess website: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/infinitechess.fide.com\/\">infinitechess.fide.com\/<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On April 6, the Infinite Chess initiative hosted \u201cInfinite Spectrum: Awareness and Recognition\u201d, a transformative online event that united global advocates, educators, and families to advance autism awareness and inclusion. With powerful speeches, heartfelt stories, and the premiere of an exclusive project video, the meetup illuminated how chess and community support can unlock potential for children on the spectrum. The event began with inspiring words from\u00a0Dana Reizniece\u00a0(Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board and Project Supervisor),\u00a0Andr\u00e9 V\u00f6gtlin\u00a0(Chair of the FIDE Social Commission), and\u00a0Anastasia Sorokina\u00a0(Chair of FIDE Women\u2019s Commission and Infinite Chess Project Leader). Their messages underscored FIDE\u2019s commitment to leveraging chess as a tool for social impact. A highlight of the opening was the premiere of \u201cFIDE Infinite Chess \u2013 A Visionary Approach to Modern Chess\u201c, created with immense support of\u00a0Kazakhstan Chess Federation\u00a0a 10-minute video showcasing the project\u2019s mission, strategic partnerships, and real-world impact. The film set the stage for discussions on how chess transcends borders and abilities. Key moments that inspired action 1. Dismantling Stigma with Practical Solutions Doreen Dia, Occupational Therapist and CEO\/founder of iPromise Rehab and Care Services in The Gambia, shared actionable strategies to combat societal stigma. Her insights emphasized: The role of community education in fostering acceptance. Adaptive learning techniques for neurodiverse children. How local advocacy creates systemic change. \u201cBreaking stigma starts with small, courageous conversations,\u201d she reminded attendees. 2. Chess as a Catalyst for Growth \u00a0Ritha James Makame, Life Skills Coordinator at the Ilyanna Foundation and Infinite Chess teacher, revealed the challenges and triumphs of teaching chess to children with autism. Her approach\u2014rooted in patience and creativity\u2014demonstrated how the game: Enhances cognitive flexibility and problem-solving. Builds social connections through structured interaction. Empowers teachers and parents to collaborate effectively. 3. A Mother\u2019s Unwavering Love Renata Nair, mother of Teegan (a student in the Infinite Chess project, South Africa), moved the audience with her raw, hopeful journey. She described: The pivotal role chess played in Teegan\u2019s confidence and focus. How community support alleviates isolation for families. Why inclusive programs like Infinite Chess are lifelines. \u201cEvery small victory is a testament to what\u2019s possible,\u201d Renata shared. Honoring Champions: The Infinite Chess partners awards The event culminated in the Infinite Chess Partners Awards, celebrating unsung heroes in autism advocacy. Winners\u2014nominated included: Pioneer Partner \u2013\u00a0Pep Su\u00e1rez, Olimpia Chess Academy (Menorca), Luis Blanso de la Cruz, Madrid Chess Academy, Club Ajedrez 64 Villalba (Spain), Sharon Whatley, Gibraltar Chess Association (Gibraltar), Franck Droin (France). Regional Growth Leader\u00a0\u2013 Pep Su\u00e1rez, Olimpia Chess Academy (Menorca), Erick Takawira, KZN Chess Academy (South Africa), Kanthi Sarjoo, The Browns\u2019 School (South Africa), Sharon Whatley, Gibraltar Chess Association (Gibraltar). Accuracy and Detail Excellence\u00a0\u2013 Viesturs Kap\u010de (Latvia), Buddhi Nirukshi Panagoda (UK), Rita Wu, Taiwan Youth Chess Association (Taiwan). Event Participation Champion\u00a0\u2013 Melodi Dincel (Turkey), Charomova Evguenia (New Zealand), Susana Gon\u00e7alves, Association Chess2All (Portugal). Innovation Leader \u2013\u00a0Ng Teck Sen, Bumblebee Training Centre (Malaysia), Anu Bayar, ABChess Academy (Mongolia), Keunae Choe, EBC Foundation (USA). Outstanding Support \u2013\u00a0Luciano Gomes de Sousa (Brazil), Christina Aziz (The Gambia), Viviane Bejjani-Aziz (The Gambia), Elly O. Goro, IYANNA FOUNDATION (Tanzania). Collaboration Excellence\u00a0\u2013 Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Kamal Daoudi, INSTITUTION TAHAR SEBTI (Morocco), Dalila Mougaa, INSTITUTION TAHAR SEBTI (Morocco), Albanian Chess Federation. Impactful Communicator \u2013\u00a0Dr. Ankita Sanghavi, Innocent Times School (India), Netra Patkar, ZEP Rehabilitation Centre (India), Mark Bryan (Cyprus). The awards underscored the power of collective effort in driving inclusion.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat an inspiring event! Today, we\u2019ve shared knowledge, stories, and hope. Let\u2019s carry this momentum forward\u2014keep advocating, connecting, and uplifting. A huge thank you to our speakers, attendees, and the Infinite Chess team. Stay tuned for future events, and remember: every step counts in creating a more inclusive world. Until next time\u2014take care, stay inspired, and keep shining!\u201d were Maria Tamkovich&#8217;s closing words. Carrying the Momentum Forward Watch &amp; Share the Infinite Chess video\u00a0to spread awareness. Recorded video of the online meetup. Join the Movement via #InfiniteChess\u00a0on\u00a0social media.\u00a0Support inclusive chess programs in your community. A heartfelt thank you to all speakers, attendees, and the Infinite Chess team for making this event a milestone in autism advocacy. Together, we\u2019re proving that chess is more than a game\u2014it\u2019s a universal language of opportunity. \u201cThe spectrum is infinite, and so is our potential to make a difference.\u201d Infinite Chess website: infinitechess.fide.com\/\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":33459,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[64],"regular":[],"sticky-post":[],"class_list":["post-33458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fide-news","tag-infinite-chess"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33458"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33458\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33467,"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33458\/revisions\/33467"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33458"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33458"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33458"},{"taxonomy":"regular","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/regular?post=33458"},{"taxonomy":"sticky-post","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sticky-post?post=33458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}