As you know, Peace and Sport and FIDE were together in Palestine this week to follow up on the “Chess for leadership and creativity” common project launched in November 2011, part of our common worldwide program “Chess for Peace”. “Chess for leadership and creativity” is our third common project after Haiti and Colombia. As you know, this project was mainly focusing on Palestinian women empowerment using chess as a tool.

During this trip, FIDE was represented by its grand master and expert Mr. Damir Levacic, President of the Mediterranean Chess Union. Peace and Sport was represented by myself, Head of Programmes and Field Operations.

During this 4 day trip, we visited each of the 5 beneficiary centers: Qatanna (near Ramallah), Shiraa (Bethlehem), Al Mahawer (near Hebron), Kfar Akeb and Las Khamis (near Jerusalem) and of course met with the Palestinian Chess Federation.

I have to say that Damir and myself were quite impressed to see the progresses made by each of the beneficiary centers. Their level has increased a lot over the past year and a half, to the point that one of these centers (Qatanna) is now considered the best in Palestine for women. Some of the beneficiary girls have even participated in International competitions (Russia, Qatar and Turkey) and one of them managed to meet Alexandra Kosteniuk, Peace and Sport Champion for Peace and “god mother” of the project. See some photos and press articles concerning them attached.

I’d like through this email to acknowledge the work done by FIDE expert Mr. Damir Levacic who gave all his energy to teach some new techniques for the beneficiary people and to play with some of them. Everybody there enjoyed his visit as well as Melissa visit last year. Everybody seems to have kept a great memory of her stay there.

We are in touch for the next steps in our cooperation. I remain at your disposal should you need further details.

Thank you on behalf of each participating centers.

Best Regards,

Ludovic Hubler
Head of Programmes and Field Operations
- Peace and Sport -
L'Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport