By Resolution A/RES/67/296, the United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace.  The Resolution was adopted on 23 August, 2013.

"Due to its vast reach, unparalleled popularity and foundation of positive values, sport is ideally positioned to contribute towards the United Nations’ objectives for development and peace." (https://www.un.org/en/observances/sport-day/background)







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​"As vaccines spread hope and spectators begin to return to arenas, the world of sport has crucial contributions to make in forging a safe and sustainable recovery.  [...]  We will play and cheer again when everyone is safe from the pandemic." - António Guterres, UN Secretary-General


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On 11 March, 2020 the World Health Organisation, WHO, declared COVID-19 a pandemic. 
On 8 July, 2020 the World Chess Federation, FIDE, published its COVID-19 protocols for over-the-board chess events.







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​The protocols that are specific to chess are shared at the link below for your information.
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Click here to view the FIDE COVID-19 protocols. 

Mikhail Botvinnik was crowned the 6th World Chess Champion in 1948. He would attain the title twice more, regaining it from Smyslov in 1958 and Tal in 1961. 

As the first in a long line of Soviet world champions, Botvinnik was a respected figure even within an already strong Russian field.  His intense training regimen distinguished him from his peers. He advocated logic, extensive theoretical research, and a strong degree of both physical and mental discipline. While these attitudes were novel at the time, his writings on the subject became legendary and eventually served as a model for a new generation of players. His scientific style emphasized whole systems of play that extended from the opening to the endgame.  Botvinnik mentored and trained numerous young Soviet players, including a young Garry Kasparov.

Botvinnik retired from competitive chess play in 1970.

For more information click here to see a short biography of Mikhail Botvinnik.

(content of this post was taken substantially from  World Chess Hall of Fame)

“To truly leave no one behind in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, we must realize the rights of all persons with disabilities, including persons with autism, ensuring their full participation in social, cultural and economic life.” - António Guterres

“The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society."

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Photo by Félix Prado on Unsplash


What is autism?
"Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. The term Autism Spectrum refers to a range of characteristics. Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity, and full and effective participation in society.
Autism is mainly characterized by its unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information.” – (https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day/background)

Tournament
The 1st FIDE World University Individual Online Rapid Championship 2021 was held on 20, 21 and 25,  March.  This event was organised by The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in consultation with the FIDE Global Strategy Commission. 

The event was open to students who met the following  requirements:
a) Have their secondary education completed;
b) Are currently officially registered as proceeding towards a degree or diploma at a university;
c) Were born in 1995 or later; and
d) Are not banned by the Hosting Internet Platform

884 university students took part in this first time chess event.  According to GM Bartlomiej Macieia, Tournament Director, students from about 100 countries participated.  

The top three finishers in the Open and Women's sections were as follow:

1st FIDE World University Online Chess Championship (Open Section)
GM Shevchenko Kirilll (UKR) - 4.0/5.0 pts.
Ivan Boberskyj Lviv State Universit

GM Antipov Mikhail AI (RUS) - 3.0/5.0 pts
University of Missouri

GM Oparin Grigoriy (RUS) - 3.0/5.0 pts.
University of Missouri

1st FIDE World University Online Chess Championship (Women Section)
WIM Antolak Julia (POL) - 4.0/5.0 pts.
University of Texas Rio Grande Vall

WGM Sargsyan Anna M. (ARM) - 3.5/5.0 pts.
Armenian State Institute of Physica

IM Badelka Olga (BLR) - 2.5/5.0 pts.
University of Missouri


Controversy of disqualified players
Twenty (20) players from the World University Individual Online Rapid Championship were disqualified for breach of Fair Play.  The disqualification of players by the Fair Play Panel (FPP) of the FIDE World University Chess Championships took place after investigating and reviewing 5,036 games.  

It is being reported that IM Iujila Osmak, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, who finished first place before the review of games by FPP was one of the 20 players disqualified.  One of the most controversial issues about this investigation is that the decision of FPP to disqualify players for suspected fair play violation is final and is not subject to any appeal, review or other challenge.  Furthermore, the disqualified players have lost their right to participate in the next events of the 2021 Online University Championships.  

In its statement FPP indicated that "[n]either FIDE, nor the Hosting Internet Platform claims that the determination of a suspected fair play violation is proof of actual cheating or an admission of guilt by the disqualification player." (FIDE World University Online Chess Championship 2021 Fair Play - 26 March 2021)

Being disqualified without an appeal process must be for the players a very "bitter bill to swallow".