FIDE - International Chess Federation

♟🥇 Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School of 🇺🇬 Uganda took gold at the African Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026, crowned African continental champions after completing the tournament without losing a single match.

🇰🇪 Kenya's Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School claimed silver, while the host nation also had reason to celebrate, as Welgemoed Primary School of 🇿🇦 South Africa secured bronze. All three teams have qualified for the Grand Final in December.

The FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 cycle now moves to the FIDE ISCF American Continental Stage in San José, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, from August 11 to 16.

Read more: https://www.fide.com/sr-miriam-duggan-primary-school-uganda-takes-gold-at-african-continental-stage-of-world-schools-team-championship-2026/

Chess South Africa / Chess Kenya / International School Chess Federation

♟ Chess for Humanity: Armenia and FIDE champion social change at UN Geneva side event

In a landmark celebration of chess as a catalyst for social transformation, the Permanent Mission of 🇦🇲 Armenia to the United Nations in 🇨🇭 Geneva, in partnership with the FIDE Social Commission and UNESCO, hosted a prestigious side event on 8 July at Hall XIV of the Palais des Nations, commemorating the upcoming International Chess Day 2026.

The gathering transformed the historic UN venue into a vibrant hub of strategy and solidarity, showcasing the profound impact of chess far beyond the competitive arena. The event underscored the game’s unique capacity to bridge divides, empower marginalized communities, and foster cognitive and emotional resilience across the globe.

The highlight of the afternoon was an exclusive simultaneous chess exhibition featuring Grandmaster Levon Aronian, one of the world’s most celebrated chess talents. The event attracted approximately 70 registered participants, bringing together diplomats and representatives of international organizations based in Geneva. During the exhibition, Grandmaster Aronian played simultaneously against 25 participants – marking the first time such a high-profile simul had been held in conjunction with this specific side event.

Read more: https://www.fide.com/chess-for-humanity-armenia-and-fide-champion-social-change-at-un-geneva-side-event/

📷 insta: agencypointofviews

Swiss Chess Federation / UNESCO / United Nations

🌍♟ A fresh push to bring chess into classrooms across Africa took shape in Cape Town during the African Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and ISCF President Timur Turlov attended the event where meetings focused on teacher training, school leagues, national coordination and the role chess can play in giving more children access to structured learning opportunities.

During the event, meetings were held with chess officials from several countries, including 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇸🇿 Eswatini and 🇳🇦 Namibia. The key focus of the discussion was how chess can have a more prominent role in societies across the African continent.

Read more: https://www.fide.com/a-new-african-push-for-chess-in-education/

International School Chess Federation

🐟 Baby Shark, big upsets, and a three-way battle for first place in Stellenbosch!

Day two of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 brought drama on the boards, surprise results, and unforgettable moments off the board — including a Baby Shark dance before the rounds! 😄

Uganda, Kenya, and Madagascar now share the lead after four rounds, while young talents continue to shine at the African Continental Stage.

Read the full article: https://www.fide.com/baby-shark-big-upsets-and-three-way-lead-in-stellenbosch/