July 20th is World Chess Day.
World Chess Day is celebrated on July 20th, commemorating the day the International Chess Federation was founded (FIDE) in 1924. It is recognized by the United Nations for highlighting the power of sport, the arts and physical activity to change perceptions, prejudices and behaviours. The idea of this day was proposed by UNESCO and has been celebrated since the year 1966.
Chess, as an intellectual and cultural game, overcomes barriers of language, age, gender, physical ability and social status, becoming an accessible and inclusive activity anywhere. In this article, we will explore the history of chess, its influence in promoting education, sustainable development, peace and social inclusion, and its role in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Power of Sport
Sport, art and physical activity have the power to inspire, break down racial and political barriers, fight discrimination and contribute to education, sustainable development, peace and cooperation at local, regional and international levels.
Chess, as an accessible and inclusive sporting activity, promotes fairness and mutual respect, contributing to an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding between peoples and nations. It is a strategic board game for two players, in which the objective is to move different pieces, each with a specific movement, on a checkered board, trying to capture the opponent's "King" piece.
Currently, there are over 2000 identified variants. Its origin goes back to the ancient game Chaturanga which is believed to have emerged in the north of the Indian subcontinent during the Gupta period (~ 319 – 543 AD) and to have spread along the Silk Road to Persia.
Modern chess evolved from Chaturanga, which means "four divisions", referring to the divisions of the pieces into infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots (pieces which in the modern game became the pawn, knight, bishop and rook), or the fact that the game was played by four players.
Chatrang, and later Shatranj, were the names given to the game when it arrived in Sasanian Persia around 600 AD. The earliest reference to the game comes from a Persian manuscript from around 600 AD that describes an ambassador from the Indian subcontinent visiting King Khosrow I (531 – 579 AD) and presenting him with the game.
Importance and Meaning of This Day
On 12 December 2019, the General Assembly proclaimed 20 July as World Chess Day, marking the date of creation of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924. Since 1966, under the initiative of FIDE, 20 July has been observed as International Chess Day by players around the world.
The designation of World Chess Day by the UN recognizes FIDE's important role in supporting international cooperation in the activity of chess, aiming to enhance friendly harmony among all peoples of the world and provide an important platform to promote dialogue, solidarity and a culture of peace.
The game of chess transcends cultural and geographic boundaries, connecting people of different backgrounds and beliefs, offering important opportunities for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.
In this way, it contributes to the strengthening of education, the promotion of gender equality, the need to give more prominence to women, inclusion, tolerance, mutual understanding and respect.
Fascinating Facts about Chess
About 70% of the adult population (US, UK, Germany, Russia, India) have played chess at some point in their lives
Approximately 605 million adults play chess regularly.
Mathematically, there are more chess moves than there are atoms in the Observable Universe.
It is possible to checkmate in just 2 moves.
The oldest chess grandmaster in the world is the Russian, Yuri Averbakh, who died in May of this year (2022) at the age of 100.
Chess and Cultural Enrichment
Traditional games, including chess and its many variants, are important elements of the cultures of different peoples living along the Silk Road. Interactions and encounters along this Route provided considerable opportunities not only for the dissemination of traditional games in different regions, but also for their enrichment at different levels.
Chess and HIV/AIDS Awareness
Chess, as a mental game, encourages deep logical thinking, which enhances responsible action. Promoting the game of chess and linking it to issues of sex and sexuality can be a creative and strategic way of meeting the challenge of HIV/AIDS.
Why Do International Days Matter?
International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, mobilize political will and resources to solve global problems, and celebrate and reinforce human achievements.
The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has adopted them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.
What do you think of this day? Did you know there was a World Chess Day? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
See also:
International Nelson Mandela Day: Honoring the Ideas of a Great Leader
The International Day of Yoga Is on the Solstice
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
June 1st. Children's Day of Milk and Fathers
May 25th is not Africa Day it's World Day
May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity
May 17: World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, but not only
The International Day of Light and the celebration of life
3 May: World Press Freedom Day
April 30th is International Jazz Day
28 April: World Day for Safety and Health at Work
24 April: International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
April 1st is April Fools' Day dead?
March 27th is World Theater Day
March 23: Southern African Liberation Day
The extreme weather of World Weather Day
World Water Day is celebrated on March 22
March 21: The day of the year with the most ephemeris
March 20th is the International Day of Happiness
March 19 is Father's Day and World Craftsman's Day
February 14th is not just Valentine's Day
February 14th. Valentine's Day. Why?
February 13th is World Radio Day
11 February is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Picture: © DR
