The vibrant chess scene in Norway witnessed an inspiring gathering of 30 women and girls for the “Dronningsamling” or “Queens Weekend”. Organised by the Norwegiajn Chess Federation during the prestigious Norway Chess tournament, this important initiative, aimed to empower and encourage female participation in the chess world.
Our Commission is a proud partner of this event.
The “Queens Weekend” was meticulously structured to cater to diverse skill levels, ensuring that every participant, from novice to advanced, found a stimulating and rewarding experience. Dedicated groups were formed for beginners, club players, and elite talents, offering tailored instruction and focused practice. A special program was also curated for the youngest chess enthusiasts in the children’s group, ensuring that future queens of the chessboard had their own engaging activities.
Guiding these aspiring chess players were two prominent figures in Norwegian chess: Håkon Abeland and Emilie Lazareva. Emilie, a respected chess player and a board member of the Norwegian Chess Federation, brought invaluable insights and a strong voice for women in the sport. Their expertise and passion for the game were instrumental in inspiring the attendees.
A true highlight of the “Queens Weekend” was the stellar lineup of speakers and lecturers, featuring influential women from the international chess community and beyond. Participants had the unique opportunity to learn from and engage with:
Participants had a unique opportunity to hear from Woman Grandmaster and Deputy Chair of the Management Board, via an online session, was Dana Reizniece, offering her unique perspective and expertise, setting an inspiring tone for the event.
Anastasia Sorokina, Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, who, alongside Anastasia Karlovich, eloquently spoke about the profound “power of friendship” within the chess world. Drawing from their own strong bond, they emphasized how a supportive community and the spirit of ‘Gens Una Sumus’ (We are one family) are crucial for growth and inclusivity in chess.
Benedicte Westre Skog and Dea Maioli Egeli, key figures of Norway Chess and Norway Summit, have also shared their invaluable experiences of running such a prestigious event with the participants.
Among other speakers were International Master Marta García Martín, sharing her high-level competitive experience, Bojana Bejatovic and Agapi Ter-Avjetsjana, Fair Play specialists and Emilia Castelao, founder of Women in Chess Foundation.
The lectures and training sessions left a profound impact, with participants expressing how truly inspired they felt by the shared knowledge and encouragement. A special moment during the weekend saw Ulkar Umudova, a distinguished member of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess and Director of the Online Queens Festival, present a well-deserved trophy to Monika Machlik, the winner of the Europe Queen title from the recent Queens’ Online Chess Festival. This recognition served as a powerful testament to the opportunities available for women in chess.
Beyond the formal sessions, the “Queens Weekend” also provided a thrilling opportunity for six of the participating girls to make their mark on a grand stage. These fortunate young players had the honor of making the ceremonial first moves in the prestigious main tournament of Norway Chess, a truly unforgettable experience that connected their aspirations to the highest levels of the game.
The organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible women who contributed their time, expertise, and passion to make the “Queens Weekend” such a resounding success. Events like the “Dronningsamling” are crucial steps towards making chess more inclusive and empowering for women and girls.
