FIDE's gesture to support seniors above the age of 65

by Sagar Shah - 25/04/2019

In chess we see a lot of investment being made towards the growth of juniors. They are the future and naturally appropriate care has to be taken of their progress. However, in any ecosystem it makes sense to look out for the seniors as well. Some of the veterans in our country have dedicated their life towards the betterment of chess. Their passion towards the sport led them to make decisions which have landed them in financial difficulties in the old age. In such a situation there cannot be a better gesture from FIDE than to allocate some of their funds for the seniors of our sport. In their presidential board FIDE has made an announcement that any individual who is 65+ years of age, financially unstable and has contributed towards the growth of chess is eligible to receive support. More information.

A lot of veterans play chess in India

Not only do we find senior players, but we also have arbiters who have dedicated their life towards the growth of chess.

Following a decision of the 4th Presidential Board meeting 2018, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) is pleased to announce the continuation of its support to chess veterans with an exceptional budget of an annual total of 50,000 euros. From this fund, 30,000 will be allocated to increase the prize funds in this year's Individual World Seniors Championships 50+ and 65+ (open and women). The remaining 20,000 will go to individual nominees: anyone over 65 years old, who has contributed to the development of chess and who is in an unstable financial situation, is entitled to receive this support. Applications including a CV can be sent, personally or on behalf of somebody else, to the FIDE Secretariat office@fide.com. More details to be announced in approximately two weeks.

You should apply to the FIDE secretariat on office@fide.com, if:

1. You are above 65 years of age

2. You have contributed towards the growth of chess

3. You are in an unstable financial situation

If all the three above criteria are fulfilled then the individual or someone on behalf of the individual can send a CV to the above mentioned email address. If you know any veterans who fulfill the above three points, you can also mention them in the comments section below.