July 20, 2024, marks a momentous occasion in the world of chess as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Chess Federation, better known as FIDE. Established as a non-governmental organization, the governing body for chess oversees all international chess competitions. In 1999, it gained recognition from the International Olympic Committee as a Global Sporting Organization.
July 20th was also crowned International Chess Day after the idea was proposed by UNESCO in 1966, to commemorate the founding of the International Chess Federation in 1924. On the last day of the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, i.e., on July 20, 15 delegates from all over the world signed the proclamation act of what was originally known as “Fédération Internationale des Échecs” or “FIE” (shortly after the acronym was changed to “FIDE”).
Now having its headquarters in Lausanne, it was initially founded in the city of Paris under the motto “Gens una Sumus” (Latin for “We are one Family”). Alongside the governing bodies of the sports of Football, Cricket, Swimming, and Auto Racing, FIDE was one of the very first International Sports Federations.
Now one of the largest sporting federations in the world, FIDE currently houses 201 affiliate countries. Just for comparison, the governing body of cricket, the ICC, has only 108 affiliate countries. Over the last century, Chess has grown into a truly global sport with over 60 Million Games being played every year.
FIDE 100 Celebrations
To celebrate 100 years of the organisation FIDE has planned various events for chess enthusiasts around the world. The federation has organised an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most games played within 24 hours on July 20, 2024. The Chess federation has also organized a celebration in Paris which will be attended by the high members of the organisation.
Furthermore, in celebration of completing 100 years, FIDE has arranged the “FIDE 100” awards. The FIDE 100 Awards are designed to honour and recognize the achievements and contributions of individuals, groups, and organizations within the chess community. By celebrating these efforts, FIDE aims to inspire continued excellence and promote the cultural and intellectual values of chess on a global scale. People all around the world can be part of this Award Ceremony and vote for the nominations on the FIDE website. The awards are given in 19 categories. Each category has a specified nomination and voting criteria. Categories vary from the best Male Chess player to the best Female Chess player, etc.
10 Goals for the next 100 years
100 years after signing the first proclamation act, the representatives of the same countries met in the Town Hall of the IX Arrondissement, Paris, where the original act was signed, and outlined FIDE’s goals for the next 100 years.
The 10 goals are as follows: 1. Global Expansion and Accessibility, 2. Digital Revolution, 3. Educational Integration, 4. Cultural Promotion, 5. Innovation and Technology, 6. Inclusivity and Diversity, 7. Environmental Responsibility, 8. Global Awareness, 9. Strengthening of Governance and Ethics, 10. Social Impact. You can read in-depth about these goals on the FIDE Website.
