Following the terrible earthquake earlier this year, FIDE responded to an appeal to the International Sports community by the Haitian Olympic Committee through Peace and Sport. Sports equipment was desperately needed in the temporary camps that were constructed following the earthquake, especially for the large number of children that had been left homeless.

500 chess sets and boards were requested and these have been safely delivered to the Haitian Olympic Committee. The games have been dispatched to the 27 sites where the HOC is running the emergency programme for more than 25,000 children aged 8-14. Apparently the introduction of chess has been a great success and the children are enthusiastic about learning to play. The work has been aided by volunteers fom the local association.