Moldova is actively promoting the introduction of chess classes in schools
Friday, 18 October 2013 – Silvio Danailov, the President of the European Chess Union, visited Moldova during 17 and 18 October, on the invitation of the National Chess Academy. The official held a number of meetings in Chisinau and met Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti.
Silvio Danailov stated that Moldova is one of the countries most actively promoting the introduction of chess in the school curricula, this being an opportunity for the Moldovan chess to attain a European level.
Silvio Danailov spoke at a news conference about the importance of the European Declaration on the Introduction of the “Chess in School” Program in the Educational Systems of the European Union, noting that the document was intensively promoted last year, and this year its provisions are being implemented. The President of the European Chess Union praised Moldova for its good progress in implementing the Declaration.
“I had several high-level meetings, including with President Nicolae Timofti, who told me that the development of chess in Moldova will be supported. Your country will have our support as well, both financial and logistical. Next year, the legendary chess player Garry Kasparov will visit Moldova to show his support”, said Silvio Danailov.
International grandmaster Garry Kasparov, who teleconferenced in from New York, highlighted the important role that chess can play in the development of school-age children. “As I know, chess helps children in vulnerable families grow more self-confident”, said the champion.
Ion Gîrneţ, General Manager of the National Chess Academy, stated that the EU- and UNDP-financed Chess Unites! Project helped to train 20 chess teachers on both sides of the Nistru River, and they now coach 200 children. More teachers will be trained, this time by means of online courses.
In the near future, chess is expected to be introduced in schools and pre-school institutions, initially as optional courses. The National Chess Academy, together with the Ministry of Education, developed a curriculum that envisages the introduction of chess classes, which is now awaiting approval.
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The National Chess Academy was founded as an NGO in 2010. Its chairman is International Grandmaster Viorel Iordăchescu, member of the national Olympic chess team. The Academy's mission is to develop and promote chess in Moldova as both a sport and field of study.