Refugee team to make historic debut at 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest

In a groundbreaking decision aimed at promoting inclusivity and support for displaced persons, a team representing refugees will take part in the 45th Chess Olympiad set to take place in Budapest, Hungary, in 2024

The move follows a request made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the FIDE Council, which has now been officially approved.

The team of refugees will be carefully selected through a supervised process and endorsed by the UNHCR to compete in both the Open section and the Women’s section of the most prestigious team chess tournament. The selection process will be coordinated with the UNHCR and finalized on or before April 1 2024.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich noted the significance of this decision, stating, „In our complex global landscape where numerous people are left displaced and without homes, the inclusion of a refugee team in the Chess Olympiad is a testament to our commitment to support those in need. Chess has the power to offer solace and empowerment to individuals facing adversity, and this initiative shows our dedication to using chess as a tool for positive change.“

This landmark decision by FIDE comes after its inaugural participation in the Global Refugee Forum 2023, held from December 13-15 at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland. Anastasia Sorokina, Chairperson of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, and André Vögtlin, Chairman of FIDE Social Commission, represented FIDE at the event. Sorokina, who founded the Girls Chess Club in the Kakuma refugee camp, shared her experiences at the preliminary event focused on education, discussing the theme of „Protection, Gender, Sport“. She emphasized the transformative role of chess in aiding refugees to navigate life challenges and regain stability.

For years, FIDE has supported refugees, primarily through the Chess for Protection project, providing assistance to displaced communities. Implemented in partnership with various organizations, including the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the Kenya Chess Federation, and the Kakuma Chess Club, the Chess for Protection project has been operating since August 2021. This initiative consolidates and expands chess-related activities in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, now entering its third year of operation.

The inclusion of a refugee team at the Chess Olympiad signifies a milestone in promoting inclusivity and leveraging chess as a tool for empowerment and support. FIDE remains committed to advancing such initiatives that harness the potential of chess to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the displaced worldwide.

Photos: Stev Bonhage