ISF Establishes Closer Cooperation with the International Chess Federation

16 Feb, Paris, France – At a ceremony in Paris, the ISF President Laurent Petrynka, and the President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich, signed a Memorandum of Understanding which aims to incorporate Chess in sports events for students organized by the ISF.

This partnership outlines key objectives, including establishing chess as a recognized sport among National School Sports Federations, specifying FIDE's role in organizing ISF Chess competitions, and promoting chess in education at local and international levels. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to attract school-age chess enthusiasts and enhance chess visibility in the media.

ISF and FIDE will jointly initiate programs encouraging school students to embrace chess, promote girls' school sports, and utilise school chess competitions as a platform for testing new rules and formats.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "ISF is the largest sports organization globally focusing on school sports. We are delighted to have signed this agreement to include chess in their events. With cooperation from ISF, we are opening new paths for young people to take up this beautiful sport."

ISF President Laurent Patrynka spoke highly of the value of chess, ““Chess is an intensely competitive and strategic sport. Young individuals engage in chess to develop skills such as keen perception, quick thinking, and strategic planning, challenging and strengthening their mental resilience. Many qualities of chess make it highly suitable for promotion in schools.”

“Within the framework of this MOU, ISF is committed to wholeheartedly promoting chess within ISF events and its member organizations, including national school sports federations. Harnessing the popularity of this sport, ISF aims to drive school sports and educational activities, fostering fair competition and gender equality in sports. Additionally, ISF is delighted to note that FIDE has officially included ISF Chess events in FIDE's calendar and will provide support in competition management, technical official’s training, and other aspects to facilitate the rapid growth of global school sports.”

The initial step following the agreement will be the inclusion of chess at the upcoming ISF Gymnasiade in Manama, Bahrain, from October 23 – 31. Hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain and under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the event will bring together school students from around the world to participate in 25 different sports, including para-sports, over 8 days. Activities will range from inspiring workshops to seminars, providing students and teachers with a unique opportunity to interact with peers from across the globe.