The 2024 FIDE World School Chess Championship kicked off in Lima, Peru on May 1st at the Constitutional Province of Callao. The opening ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, with notable attendees including Guido Flores Marchan, president of the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD), Morgan Niccolo Quero Gaime, Minister of Education of Peru, and Ciro Castillo Rojo Salas, the Regional Governor of Callao. These officials added their presence to the event and made it all the more grandiose.
During the ceremony, Dr. Ciro Castillo Rojo Salas and Minister Quero initiated the competition by making the first ceremonial moves on one of the chessboards. Additionally, a dance performance by a local group showcased Peru’s diverse regions – its coast, mountains, and jungle.
The championship featured six age groups: U7, U9, U11, U13, U15 and U17 with separate events for both open and girls’ categories. A total of 1200 chess players from 26 countries participated in this international event. Each category consisted of nine-round Swiss tournaments that added a competitive edge to the games.
Overall, the FIDE World School Chess Championship 2024 was a truly remarkable occasion that showcased not only Peru’s love for chess but also its diversity and unity in promoting this global sport.
