Stellenbosch, South Africa – 7 July 2026
Press Release: As part of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) will host a special community outreach event at Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch, bringing together international chess leaders and young learners from local schools for an afternoon dedicated to education, inspiration, and social impact.
Approximately 50 students from three underserved schools in the Stellenbosch area will participate in the event, which aims to demonstrate how chess can serve as a powerful tool for education, personal development, leadership, and opportunity creation. The outreach initiative is designed to expand educational opportunities and inspire young people from historically disadvantaged communities through meaningful engagement with international chess leaders and role models.
and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich
The outreach visit will feature several distinguished guests, including FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, entrepreneur and chess patron Timur Turlov, and internationally recognized chess coach and social impact leader Robert Katende.
Katende is best known as the mentor of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, whose extraordinary journey from the slums of Kampala to international chess success inspired Disney’s acclaimed film Queen of Katwe. For more than two decades, Katende has used chess as a vehicle for education and community development, helping thousands of children build confidence, resilience, critical thinking skills, and pathways to a better future.
The program will begin with welcome remarks from school leadership and visiting guests, highlighting the role of chess in education, youth empowerment, and community engagement. Speakers will explore how chess develops decision-making, discipline, creativity, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the chessboard.
A major highlight of the visit will be an interactive chess session, where students will have the opportunity to play friendly games and engage directly with distinguished guests, including FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Timur Turlov, Robert Katende, and representatives of national chess federations.
Students will also participate in a special interactive session led by Robert Katende. Drawing from his personal journey and years of work with underserved communities, Katende will share lessons on ambition, perseverance, education, leadership, and overcoming adversity. The discussion will encourage students to pursue their goals and recognize the opportunities that learning and determination can create.
The event will conclude with a recognition ceremony during which participating students will receive commemorative gifts and certificates from the visiting guests, followed by official photographs and media opportunities.
The outreach initiative reflects the broader legacy objectives of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship by ensuring that the impact of the event extends beyond competition and reaches local communities. Through direct engagement with students, the program reinforces the message that chess is not only a sport, but also a powerful educational and social development tool capable of transforming lives.
The event embodies the belief shared by FIDE and ISCF that every child deserves access to opportunities that foster learning, confidence, and personal growth and that chess can be a catalyst for achieving that vision.
Additional Educational Program
As part of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship, participants, coaches, teachers, and guests will also have the opportunity to attend an offline ISCF Master Class with Robert Katende: “Chess as a Tool for Life Development.”Inspired by the story behind Disney’s Queen of Katwe, Katende will share lessons from more than two decades of using chess as a tool for education, youth development, and community transformation. Participants will gain practical insights into how chess can help cultivate resilience, leadership, critical thinking, and lifelong learning skills.
Timur Turlov Announces Candidacy for FIDE Deputy President
Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, has announced his candidacy for the position of FIDE Deputy President.
The election of FIDE’s leadership will take place on September 26-27, 2026, during the FIDE General Assembly in Samarkand, held alongside the 46th Chess Olympiad. Under FIDE regulations, the President and Deputy President run on a joint ticket. Timur Turlov is running as part of the team led by incumbent FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who is also seeking re-election.
As President of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) — established by the FIDE General Assembly in 2024 on his proposal — Turlov has also been shaping chess education on a global scale, launching the World Schools Team Championship circuit across four continents and positioning school chess as a serious tool for youth development worldwide.
At FIDE level, his goal is clear: greater stability, balance, and digital transformation for world chess — bringing the same approach that worked in Kazakhstan to the global stage.
The elections take place 26-27 September 2026 in Samarkand.
For more information:
World Schools Team Championships – https://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/