FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners: Chess for Freedom Initiative

The 4th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners kicks off this week, bringing together incarcerated individuals from over 50 countries in a global online chess event. This championship is part of FIDE’s Chess for Freedom initiative, which aims to showcase the transformative power of chess within correctional facilities, promoting self-improvement and critical thinking.

The Chess for Freedom project, launched in May 2021 in collaboration with FIDE and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Chicago, has garnered international acclaim for its positive impact on prisons. It provides inmates with opportunities for education, social interaction, and personal development through chess.

With over 115 teams from 51 countries participating, this year’s championship is the largest edition yet. The tournament includes three competition categories: Men’s, Women’s, and Youth, with teams grouped according to continents and time zones.

Participants will compete in online matches on Chess.com, with matches scheduled throughout the day based on different regions. Fans can follow the action on FIDE’s YouTube channel, where live matches, interviews, and updates will be available.

The Chess for Freedom initiative continues to grow, with new countries joining the championship this year, including Paraguay, Singapore, and Iceland. The project’s success in promoting chess programs in correctional facilities worldwide has been highlighted at events like the Chess for Freedom Conference in Pune, India.

As the championship gets underway, the global chess community eagerly awaits the exciting matches and the opportunity to witness the positive impact of chess on incarcerated individuals. Stay tuned for updates and results as the games progress.