20.07.2016

The head of FIDE congratulates the chess players with the International Day of Chess

Dear friends! Sincerely and with all my heart, I congratulate you all with the main holiday of the chess players around the world - the International Day of Chess! FIDE was created during the VIII Summer Olympics in Paris on July 20, 1924, and this day became the official worldwide celebration since 1966. Incidentally, the Day of Chess was chosen by UNESCO’s initiative out of all sports celebrations.

The very chess is a surprising combination of sport, game, science, and art. This is an effective tool for not only intellectual development but moral education as well. Chess develops self-organization skills, ability to find the way in the rapidly changing environment, instil a sense of responsibility for one’s decision.

I wish all chess players and fans of the ancient game success in all endeavours of life, good health, great victories, and great achievements!
We are all a part of the same family!

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov,
President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE)