20.07.2019

Sixth FIDE President congratulates chess players on International Chess Day

The world celebrates the International Chess Day on 20 July. The sixth FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov congratulated chess players and chess fans on this holiday. The greeting reads as follows:

"Dear friends! Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, I congratulate all of you on the main holiday of the chess players of the world, the International Chess Day! In 1966, UNESCO included this day in the list of memorable dates. Of all the sports events, only Chess Day has become international on the initiative of UNESCO.

Today, millions of people play chess, and I want billions to play it because chess is the most intellectual and beautiful game.

The world needs smart people, and smart people need chess, not war. Chess will save the world.
Sport, game, science and art are combined in chess in the most amazing way. It is an effective means of not only mental development, but also moral education. Chess develops self-organization skills, the ability to navigate in our changing world and instils a sense of responsibility for each decision.
I wish all chess players and lovers of the ancient game success in all their life endeavours, good health, bright victories and high achievements!”