International Chess Day is celebrated every year on the 20th of July marking the establishment of FIDE (International Chess Federation) abbreviated from Federation Internationale des Echecs. Although this is a special day for the chess community worldwide, this year(2024) is extra special. Do you know why? Let’s go through it! 🙂
Why International Chess Day is celebrated?
On this day, FIDE was founded during the 8th Summer Olympic Games in Paris. The idea to celebrate International Chess Day was proposed by UNESCO, and since 1966, this day has been celebrated worldwide by chess federations, clubs, and schools, and various tournaments are organized to promote the game and encourage more and more people to learn and play chess.
Why is this year so special for FIDE?
This year(2024) marks the 100th anniversary of FIDE. This centenary highlights the biggest milestone in the history of chess. It’s a moment to celebrate the achievements of FIDE, how far it has come since its founding in 1924, and realize its contributions in advancing the game in such a way that it is not just a game now but an emotion for many! The centenary of FIDE is a testament to the growing popularity of chess, highlighting its importance in fostering strategic thinking and intellectual development.
To commemorate this milestone and the Centenary of FIDE, a special event is planned. On July 20, 2024, FIDE will attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most chess games played within 24 hours. This ambitious event aims to unite chess players from all over the world in a remarkable celebration of the game.
Fide is all set to create a Guinness World Record for most chess games played within 24 hours on 20th July 2024. Photo Source: FIDE
In addition to the Guinness World Record attempt, FIDE is also inviting artists to participate in an art contest. The goal is to create posters that inspire communities to join in this celebration of chess. This contest is an opportunity for artists to showcase their creativity and contribute to a historic event that emphasizes the cultural and emotional significance of chess. Submit your entries here [https://100.fide.com/fide-international-chess-day-art-contest/]
How is International Chess Day usually celebrated?
Let’s honor the 100th anniversary of FIDE by recognizing the profound impact chess has had on our lives and looking forward to future innovations and growth in the chess world. Celebrate the game that has captured the hearts and minds of millions for centuries. You can celebrate in various ways with your chess community,club, school,by taking part in tournaments, etc,
Here are some ways you can celebrate this year-
1. Participate in Tournaments:
Many local chess clubs and federations organize special tournaments on International Chess Day. These tournaments cater to all skill levels, from beginners to grandmasters. Participating in a tournament is a great way to test your skills, network with other players and meet fellow chess enthusiasts, and experience the thrill of competitive play.
This year FIDE is attempting to set a Guinness world record and many states are celebrating this day by organizing special-rated tournaments.
Bangalore is hosting a special 2-day event featuring team, rapid, and blitz tournaments within the same event. This unique format is sure to excite and engage the local chess community, offering a variety of playing experiences and opportunities for both seasoned players and newcomers, and is very special for Bangalore.
1st Bangalore All India Open Fide Rated Tripple Crown Chess Tournament on 20-21 July.
Photo Source: Tournament Brochure (Organized by ChessieIndia)
Many other cities are also hosting tournaments to celebrate this day and are participating in the attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most chess games played within 24 hours.
2. Join Online Chess Events:
With growing platforms like Chess.com, Lichess.org, Playchess, and our very own Circlechess, players can enjoy games online from the comfort of their homes. These platforms often host special events on International Chess Day, including blitz tournaments, simuls, and puzzle rush challenges. Additionally, YouTube has played a significant role in the game’s rising popularity, with players and grandmasters streaming their games and providing live commentary.
Among them, Circlechess is also conducting a foundational camp by Grandmasters who are also coaches of young prodigies.
3. Attend chess sessions and learn the game
In today’s world, chess is gaining widespread interest and curiosity. If you feel the need to brush up on your skills and learn the game better, what better day than today? Many chess clubs and organizations offer workshops, lectures, and training sessions on International Chess Day. These events provide valuable opportunities to learn from experienced players, improve your game, and gain new insights into chess strategies and tactics.
CircleChess has come up with an initiative to conduct a foundational campy for players which will be taught by Grandmasters.
Photo Source: CircleChess
4. Introduce your friends and peers to Chess
“Give a man a loaf of bread, you feed him for a day, if you teach him how to bake a bread you feed him for a lifetime”
This encapsulates the spirit of this day very well. Sharing the joy of learning and playing chess can have lasting benefits.One of the best way to celebrate this day is by introducing a friend to the game. Share your passion for chess with someone who has never played or learnt before. Explain them about how beautiful this game is – tell them about the history of chess how it was used as a testimony of war and now become a intellectual sport in modern times.
5. Share on social media
Connect with chess enthusiasts around the worlds by exchanging your ideas and showcasing your love and passion for the game. This would help you reach more people and also help promote the game better. Capture moments from your International Chess Day activities and share your experiences. Share personal anecdotes, favourite openings, strategies, or any of your memorable games to showcase your love for the game. This would inspire more and more to pick up the game and explore its benefits not only in chess but also in real life.
Whether you’re participating in tournament, joining online events/sessions or simply enjoying or learning the game with friends, there are countless ways you can be a part of this global celebration, can be called as a chess festival? Of course! 😍
Chess as a catalyst for Social Change
Chess along with being a great sport in modern times is also used to drive social change, emphasise it’s role in fostering gender equality,inclusion, and community development through various initiatives and programs. Some of the initiatives taken are as follows.
According to a NCMI(National Centre for Biotechnology Information) published article,
“Research shows that chess affects specific areas of the brain, and this stimulation shifts with the problems that a chess player faces during the game. What we know until now is that chess game lends itself to a variety of complexities from various patterns to complex calculations that stimulate players’ brains.”
1. Chess for peace – Collaboration with FIDE/ PEACE AND SPORT – The first pilot peace project was conducted in collaboration with FIDE and Peace and Sport. It was called “Ajedrez por la Paz” and was launched in 2010 in Columbia. The Colombian federation, and many other NGOs had come together to bring make this program a success to help the underprivileged areas.
2. In 2011, Peace and Sport and FIDE collaborated once more on a project in Palestine led by Palestinian Chess Federation in partnership with NGOs. This program was known as “Chess for Leadership and Creativity”. More than 200 participants mainly girls were engaged in this initiative. Chess had played a significant role in improving the lives of women involved in this project.
Photo Source: FIDE
3. Chess for Protection Project – This project launched in 2021 was implemented in collaboration with International Chess Federation, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the Kenya Chess Federation and the Kakuma Chess Club. It organises various chess related activities in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.
According to an article published in FIDE, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich says-
“In FIDE, we really believe that chess is more than a game; it is a tool to improve the social environment for millions of people. Kenya has the second biggest refugee camp and the third biggest slum in the world. Over 55% of the refugee population here are children and adolescents. Chess as a part of the extra-curricular activities will undoubtedly contribute to the well-being of youth, their pyschological needs and their development. FIDE thanks UNHCR, LWC, and Chess Kenya for their support in carrying out this very important social project.”
Chess can help the refugees to be engaged with mind storming activities. Photo Source: FIDE
4. Chess in Schools- An Initiative by Delhi Chess Association – It’s mission is to improve children’s educational outcomes and foster their social development by introducing them to the game of chess in schools and inner city communities. They train multiple sports teachers of schools in order to teach chess to the students. They also provide the chess materials required to every school.
Fide signing contract for training of trainers in India and printing of Chess in School literatures in Indian Languages.
In conclusion, chess has demonstrated its profound capacity to drive social change and promote inclusivity. These initiatives exemplify how chess can not only be a part of modern sports but also empower individuals, and foster community development. Let us continue to support and expand these efforts made by FIDE and other chess clubs and federations.
