World chess federation president visits Moldova

Chisinau, 29 January /MOLDPRES/ – President, Igor Dodon, head of Chess Federation of Moldova, had a meeting with President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Kirsan Iliumjinov, on 28 January 2017, who is in Chisinau by the head of state’s invitation, the presidential press service has reported.

In his statements to the press, Igor Dodon said that FIDE President was not the first time in Moldova, thanking him for support, including material one at inauguration of hundreds of classes of chess in Moldova and the foundation of territorial organizations in 25 districts.

The Moldovan president outlined that the forthcoming week the Government intended to present an initiative on the inclusion of chess in the school curriculum in Moldova. "There is the experience of several countries where, after the inclusion of chess in school training program, successful students increased significantly," said the president.

At the same time, Igor Dodon said that Kirsan Iliumjinov brought 1500 chess sets, which would be delivered in the schools of Moldova. According to him, Moldova Chess Federation decided to send 200 sets to Gagauzia and 800 sets to Transnistria because in all regions of Moldova, children could play chess.

At his turn, Kirsan Iliumjinov congratulated Igor Dodon on the occasion of his victory in the presidential elections, on behalf of the Presidential Council of the World Chess Federation consisting of 188 countries.

Iliumjinov said that intended to implement in Moldova more chess development programs and to support young chess players, conveying the President of Moldova two FIDE President’s nominations for two young people, the best Moldova’s chess players, for participation in World Championship among children, without selection stage at the European Championship.

"I think one of these places we will offer to the left bank pupils. There are very good chess players, who obtained the title of champions of Moldova in their categories. I hope, that the next visit to our country, we will visit the Transnistrian region to organize a chess championship there. I think, that chess players will play an important role in the reintegration of our state," Igor Dodon concluded.

(Editor A. Raileanu)