United Nations Observance - Chess Day July 20
United Nations Observance - Chess Day
CHESS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
International Chess Day - July 20
The United Nations recognizes that sports, the arts and physical activity have the power to change perceptions, prejudices and behaviours, as well as to inspire people, break down racial and political barriers, combat discrimination and defuse conflict, and therefore contribute in promoting education, sustainable development, peace, cooperation, solidarity, social inclusion and health at the local, regional and international levels.
Chess is one of the most ancient, intellectual and cultural games, with a combination of sport, scientific thinking and elements of art. As an affordable and inclusive activity, it can be exercised anywhere and played by all, across the barriers of language, age, gender, physical ability or social status.
Chess is a global game, which promotes fairness, inclusion and mutual respect, and noting in this regard that it can contribute to an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding among peoples and nations.
Chess also offers important opportunities in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, including strengthening education, realizing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and fostering inclusion, tolerance, mutual understanding and respect.
International Chess Day: HISTORY
Chess was invented in the Northern Indian Subcontinent during the Gupta period (319 – 543 CE). At that time it was named as "Chaturanga". No doubt this is one of the oldest games of the era. Then this game spread to Persia. When Persia was conquered by the Arabs, Chess became an important part of the life of the Muslim population and from there it spread to Southern Europe. In Europe, Chess evolved in its current form. And later on, it takes the shape of the modern game
Now the game has become more popular. Various Chess tournaments are held with exciting new variations. Further, the timing mechanism was also introduced in the game in 1861 with effective rules and charismatic players. In the eighth Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France on 20 July, 1924, FIDE that is the World Chess Foundation was established. And from 20 July, 1966, International Chess Day started celebrating to honour the founding of FIDE. To celebrate International Chess Day on 20 July was proposed by UNESCO. All over the World now Chess tournaments are held. In 1851 in London, the first modern chess tournament was held and it was won by German Adolf Anderssen.
The General Assembly proclaimed 20 July as World Chess Day on 12 December 2019, to mark the date of the establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924. Under the initiative of FIDE, 20 July has been observed as International Chess Day by chess players around the world since 1966.
HOW TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL CHESS DAY
When making plans or considering ways to celebrate International Chess Day, try out these ideas:
1.Play (or Learn to Play) the Game of Chess
Maybe the first thing to try would be to find a chess mate to play the game with. For those who have never played (or it’s been a long time!), try going out and learning how to play. Ask a friend to give lessons, or get some instructions online, then find someone to face off with.
2.If a friend can’t be found in person, try playing chess online. Lots of computer programs and apps exist on almost every skill level, from novice to expert. Join in an online chess game to brush up on those skills.
3.Join a Chess Club: Most cities have one or more chess clubs. They can be found in middle schools and high schools, in local community centers or sports clubs, and even high winning competitions. Take a look around the city and locate a local chess group or club. Go play a game and maybe pick up some new chess moves along the way!
4.Organize a Human Chess Game: For a fun Saturday or Sunday event, call friends and family (at least 32 are needed!) over for a picnic and try organizing a human chess game at the park! An easy way to make it work is to use colored tee shirts with game piece names on them to identify who is playing what piece.
5.Celebrate International Chess Day with Food:
Have fun making chess piece shaped cookies for the chess lover in your life, or baking a checkered cake that can be decorated as a chess board! If throwing a chess based party for the day, create fun and crafty foods, such as a chess board made out of light and dark square crackers. Add mini cheese balls with an olive on top–stabbed with a toothpick– to create the chess pieces!
6.Watch a film About Chess: In between games of chess, see about catching a flick that revolves around the game of the day:
▪️Searching for Bobby Fischer, 1993. Based on the true story of Josh Waitzkin’s exploration in the world of chess who went on to become an international master.
▪️Queen of Katwe, 2016. Based on the real life of Ugandan chess player Phiona Mutesi, who grew up in the slums of Katwe and overcame adversity to play on an international level.
▪️The Luzhin Defense, 2000. A romantic drama about a mentally tormented chess player who travels from Russia to Italy to compete in tournaments but is overcome by stress and anxiety.
7.Invite someone to a game of chess.
8.Offer to teach someone how to play chess or ask someone to show you.
9.Brush up on your skills and join a competition.
10.Visit the World Chess Federation website to learn more about the game of chess. No matter what kind of chess-based activities are indulged in, whether watching people play a chess game (in person or online), playing a game, or just learning about it, get caught up in the wonders of the sport on International Chess Day
11.Share your chess photos and videos on social media by tagging #InternationalChessDay.
(Share your event details with photos or video clips to us at 919944313953 for UN Volunteers-India acknowledgement and appreciation)
