Join Us at the #SocialChess Conference in Budapest on September 21st!

Dear Social Chess Friends, enthusiasts, practitioners and ones who are ready to develop social chess projects in your respected region.

We are thrilled to invite you to our #SocialChess conference, taking place on September 21st in the Panorama Room III at the Intercontinental Budapest Hotel. This event will bring together passionate chess enthusiasts, social innovators, and thought leaders to explore the transformative power of chess in various social contexts.

Conference Highlights:

Chess for Protection: Hear from project leader Sonja Johnson, FIDE Social Commission member, representatives of the UNHCR and players from the FIDE Kakuma Refugee Team as they share their inspiring journey within the Chess for Protection project. Learn how chess has provided a pathway to the Chess Olympiad for refugees, fostering hope and resilience.

Chess for Freedom: Listen to a remarkable story from an inmate in the USA, who will share how chess transformed his life and how he now uses the game to empower others. This session will also include insights from Mikhail Korenman, FIDE Social Commission Councillor, who leads the Chess for Freedom project.

Infinite Chess: With the rise in cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), chess has been recognized for its positive impact. Discover how the Infinite Chess project is making a difference in the lives of those on the spectrum, as shared by families, coaches, and project coordinator Maria Tamkovich.

Chess for the Elderly: As our population ages, challenges like dementia and Alzheimer’s are becoming more prevalent. Learn about the therapeutic benefits of chess in promoting healthy aging from neurologists and experts involved in the Chess for Elderly project, which is still under development but holds great promise.

Chess for Life: Explore the Chess for Life initiative, which aims to investigate how chess can aid in the recovery from substance abuse disorders. In a world where addictions are on the rise, this project, still in its early stages, seeks to understand whether chess can be a tool for healing.

Why Attend?

• Gain Insights: Learn about existing chess projects and how they are making a social impact.

• Get Involved: Discover how you can start or support a project in your community.

• Network: Connect with like-minded individuals and professionals passionate about the social benefits of chess.

• Shape the Future: Participate in workshops designed to help shape the future of chess in social projects.

WE WILL HAVE THE LIVE BROADCAST! Please register here for the online participation:https://forms.gle/VVvYcdcoMq6jHEz66

Agenda:

We look forward to seeing you at this impactful event!

-Social Commission members