Chess reaches a new milestone on the continental youth stage

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich visited Panama to support efforts aimed at strengthening the role of chess in education and encouraging its growth across Latin America. The standout element of the trip was chess being included for the first time in the official program of the 2026 South American Youth Games. For this multi-sport event bringing together young athletes, the addition of chess does more than create a new competitive platform; it also shows that the game is gaining greater recognition within the continental sports structure as a true mind sport.

During the event, Dvorkovich made the ceremonial first move and later took part in the awards ceremony. Such symbolic appearances underline FIDE’s commitment to young players and highlight the growing importance of grassroots chess within the international calendar. In recent years, South America has seen a steady increase in tournament activity, signaling the region’s rise as a vibrant chess hub. The spread of school chess programs and the expansion of internationally organized competitions are helping to build a more stable development pathway for young players.

Alongside the Games, a seminar for school instructors brought together around 40 teachers from Panama. The sessions focused on how chess can be taught in the classroom and on modern methods that help develop pupils’ attention, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Through this approach, FIDE presents chess not only as a competitive discipline but also as a powerful educational tool that can enrich the learning process. As Dvorkovich emphasized, lasting success is difficult without strong grassroots foundations; every initiative launched in schools can help shape not only future masters, but also more analytical and well-rounded young people.

During the visit, the FIDE President also held meetings with Damaris Young Aranda, President of the Panama Olympic Committee, Mario Moccia, First Vice President of ODESUR, and José Carrillo Pujol, President of the Confederation of Chess for America. Their discussions focused on expanding chess to wider audiences in Latin America, increasing institutional cooperation, and launching new joint initiatives. The designation of 2026 as the “Year of Chess in Education” further strengthens this vision: the goal is to make chess not only part of the fight for medals, but also a meaningful component of education, social development, and international cooperation.