On May 3, the FIDE President arrived to Monastir, Tunisia, where he participated in Ridha Belkadhi Memorial. Ridha Belkadhi is famous for becoming the first IM of African continent, contributed a lot to chess as a chess politician and great organizer. He was the founder and President of Tunisian Chess Federation, the first President of Arab Chess Union, he was also elected as an African Continental President. Around the chess society, Belkadhi was known as a symbol of supreme style, wisdom, diplomatic talent, professionalism and deep decency. At the FIDE Presidential Board meeting, it was decided to allocate 15,000 USD to organize the Memorial. 85 chess players from 15 countries honored Belkadhi by participating in the tournament. The organizers invited the veterans of Tunisian chess who knew Belkadhi very close. The opening ceremony was a remarkable event, for the first time in the history of Tunisian chess, the country’s President arrived to welcome the participants. President Moncef Marzouki delivered his speech, awarded the chess veterans and young prodigies of Tunisia. He made the first symbolic move and played friendly game against the FIDE President. Mr. Marzoukki proved himself to be a strong opponent and it was obvious that this is not his first game.
Later the same day Kirsan Ilyumzhinov had a meeting with Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki. At the meeting also present were African Continental President Lakhdar Mazouz and President of Tunisian Chess Federation Yousri Daly.


Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki and FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov


Awarding young chess prodigies of Tunisia…


… and veterans, GM Slim Buoazis receiving an award


With Tunisian chess veterans


Tunisian President playing against the Tunisian champion among the girls


Meeting with Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki. At the meeting also present were African Continental President Lakhdar Mazouz and President of Tunisian Chess Federation Yousri Daly.


Presidents’ game


Young chess prodigies of Tunisia