As part of FIDE’s 2025 Year of Social Chess, August was dedicated to celebrating women and girls in chess under the banner of the Women’s Chess Marathon. Across all continents, flagship events showcased how chess brings people together, builds communities, and empowers individuals.
In Week Four of the Marathon, Europe took the spotlight with events in Portugal and Italy, each bringing its own unique energy to the global celebration. In Italy, the focus was on Power Moves: Women Shaping Chess, a two-day festival in Conegliano organized by the Italian Chess Federation, the Veneto Chess Committee, and the Queen Club Mitropa FIDE Chess Academy. Held at the historic Campus San Francesco, the event combined competition, conversation, and community.
Day One – Blitz for Equality and Teamwork
On August 30, the Marathon kicked off with a Girls & Boys Blitz Team Tournament, a FIDE-rated event where pairs of one girl and one boy competed together. The format was designed to highlight teamwork, equality, and the values of shared learning, setting the tone for the weekend’s celebration.
Day Two – Conference and Masterclass
On August 31, the focus turned to dialogue and inspiration with the FIDE Conference on the Role of Women in Chess. The event was opened by Primo Longo, Undersecretary for Sports, and Marco Biagioli, President of the Veneto Chess Committee, who welcomed participants and underlined the importance of women’s empowerment in sports.
This event held particular significance for our Commission as it featured Anastasia Sorokina, Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess. A true champion of promoting chess among girls and women, she continues to work tirelessly to ensure that the chess world is welcoming and inclusive for all.
The conference brought together four leading voices in chess, each sharing unique insights from their professional journeys:
- WGM Aleksandra Dimitrijević – Director of the Mitropa Chess Academy, International Arbiter, trainer, and former Olympiad captain. She spoke on practical experiences of working with girls in chess clubs, differences in teaching boys and girls, and how to build inclusive communities through chess education.
- IA Franca Dapiran – The first woman A’ category International Arbiter in Italy, with decades of service to chess. She reflected on her career as a Chief Arbiter, her role in the 2006 Turin Olympiad, and the importance of leadership, authority, and respect in tournament organization.
- WIM Anastasia Sorokina – Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, International Arbiter, and International Organiser. She presented WOM’s projects and initiatives, highlighting the role of women as leaders, mentors, and community-builders in chess worldwide.
- Veronika Goi – Vice President of the Italian Chess Federation, former Italian Women’s Champion (1997) and U20 Champion (2000), and Olympiad team member. She shared her experiences as a player and later as a Sports Officer, reflecting on the differences between women’s and open events and the challenges of developing chess at the organizational level.
The conference, moderated by Deborah Pavei (2008 Italian G14 Champion) sparked a lively discussion on topics ranging from women’s titles and coaching approaches to the importance of role models for the next generation.
The event closed with a historical masterclass presenting games of Louisa Matilda Fagan Ballard, who represented Italy in the First International Ladies’ Chess Tournament (London, 1897), linking today’s efforts with the legacy of pioneering women in chess.
As part of the program, FIDE WOM Chair Anastasia Sorokina, together with Marco Biagioli, presented FIDE Certificates of Appreciation to the organizing team in recognition of their dedication to making the event possible. Honorees included Fabio Chies, Mayor of Conegliano; Gianbruno Panizzutti, Undersecretary for Sports; Claudine Rosolen, Queen Club Mitropa Chess Academy; Aleksandra Dimitrijević, CEO of Mitropa Chess Academy; Deborah Pavei, Veneto Chess Committee; and Marco Biagioli, event organizer.
Gratitude and Legacy
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Italian Chess Federation, the Veneto Chess Committee, the Queen Club Mitropa FIDE Chess Academy, and all speakers, organizers, and participants. Special thanks also go to Active Line Beauty and Mitomo for their generous support, providing beautiful gifts that added a special touch to the celebration.
Italy’s contribution to the Women’s Chess Marathon exemplifies how every move counts in shaping the future of chess – creating communities where no one ever thinks “chess is not for girls.”
