Sochi, June 2nd 2014. President of Russia Vladimir Putin positively views the revival of grass roots chess education tradition in Russian schools.

President Putin spoke today at the Belaya Ladya (White Rook) chess tournament for school children in Sochi and has noted that “chess used to be taught in each school, in each region”. He continued by saying, “it is great and pleasant that today this tradition is being revived”.

President Putin underlined the rich chess traditions in Russia. He concluded “it is indeed the most intellectual sport which helps to develop mind and intellect, and we have always been at the top of the international ratings.. It is a great pleasure for me to note that school chess specifically is being revived” and wished the tournament participants all success.
After the President’s speech at the chess tournament, ex-World Champion Anatoly Karpov held a simultaneous play exhibition with 73 teams represented at the event. The first symbolic move at one of 73 chessboards was made by FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov who took advice from the President on this issue.

“Kirsan Nikolayevich, as a renowned player, will move e2-e4” – Putin smiled, and Ilyumzhinov approached a board and moved a pawn. He informed the Russian President “your mission is completed” followed by a round of applause. Then a meeting was held in an adjacent room, between the President Putin and Mr. Ilyumzhinov.

The Belaya Ladya Tournament celebrates its 45th edition this year. It is organized in Sochi for the first time, where in the finals, more than 300 young players compete as part of 73 teams. The winner of the tournament will go to Beijing in November to play against the best school team of China.