The 3rd World Chess Championship for the Disabled is well under way in Dresden, Germany. Opened on 5th October 2017 in the presence of various dignitaries of the city of Dresden and the State Saxony. With 71 players out of 12 nations present it is great to witness that the common language despite impairments is chess. Rounds start at 9:30am, giving the players an opportunity to go and spend some time in this lovely city. This is the third time that the tournament is played in Dresden. Since the first edition in 2013 a lot has changed in Chess for The Disabled and it is great to see that this inclusive sport is gaining a wider audience.

Amongst the players are 7 unrated players. It is great to also see some of the presidents in attendance. IPCA President Zbigniew Pilimon is here to support his players and his fellow Polish participants. Phillip K Gardner, the ICCD President, is even participating himself in the tournament whilst taking the chance to have meetings about current issues for deaf players with Thomas Luther, the Chairman of the Disabled Commission.

Tomorrow will be a free day, giving everyone the chance to relax a little and enjoy themselves before the last two rounds. With most games being decisive no predictions can be made yet as to who will gain the crown. The tournament location for 2019 will be decided on at the 88th FIDE Congress in Antalya, Turkey, which is currently taking place.

No doubt the positive development of Chess for the Disabled will continue. Especially with new first edition tournaments that took place earlier on this year, not only on a national and continental level but also on the international stage. To find out more about the tournament and the FIDE Commission for the Disabled feel free to like our Facebook page or have a look on the official website of the tournament.