Chess for peace in Colombia

Chess News and Chess Trivia Blog (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2010

Children studying chess as part of the Ajedrez por la Paz project.

Hello Everybody,

It is always nice to know when chess is used to spread good will, cheer and peace. Ajedrez por la paz is one such project.

The project is, at present, being held in Puerto Tejada in Colombia with the help of an organization called Peace and Sport, the Colombian Chess Federation and FIDE. It has already benefited a lot of vulnerable youth from disadvantaged areas.

Classes are regularly given in 4 centres and about 100 kids are involved. A few months ago, most of these kids didn't know anything about chess. Maria Antonia, coordinator for Colombianitos in Puerto Tejada says a group of youngsters who used to scream, shout and fight and who have become a lot calmer - thanks to Chess!

Wow.

You can read more about this project here and if you are running a similar project in any part of the world, don't forget to share it with us.

Chess for peace, chess for love, chess for joy... and more. Oh! Chess is just so COOL!

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's

www.chessblog.com

Also see her personal blog at

www.chessqueen.com

Requests are being received from many centres to develop this "Ajedrez por la paz" concept, even in guerilla stricken zones.

FIDE is contemplating organizing a similar venture in Palestine.