As part of our International Chess Day initiative, we have been delighted to see federations, clubs, and communities around the world embrace the spirit of the game by organizing events that bring people together through chess.
Among them is one of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess’ valued partners, Les Fous de la Vieille Tour – Saint-Tropez Chess Club, whose annual celebration has become a cherished tradition in the heart of the French Riviera.
For the past six years, to mark International Chess Day, the club has transformed the picturesque Place de l’Ormeau in Saint-Tropez into a vibrant meeting place for chess enthusiasts of all ages. Guided by a simple yet powerful motto – “Chess for Everyone” – the event combines an official FIDE-rated tournament with activities designed to introduce chess to the wider public, creating an atmosphere that is both competitive and welcoming.
This year’s celebration once again reflected the universal appeal of chess, welcoming players and visitors from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Türkiye, Ukraine, Russia, and beyond. In one of France’s most iconic locations, people of different ages, cultures, and nationalities came together to celebrate International Chess Day through their shared love of the game – a perfect reflection of FIDE’s motto, “Gens Una Sumus” (“We Are One People”).
The festival has continued to grow year after year, attracting increasing numbers of participants and spectators. In 2024, the club also organized a special tournament celebrating the 100th anniversary of FIDE with the support of the City of Saint-Tropez, further demonstrating its commitment to promoting chess within the local community and beyond.
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess is especially grateful for the longstanding partnership and dedication of Les Fous de la Vieille Tour – Saint-Tropez Chess Club. Over the years, the club has been a wonderful supporter of our initiatives, sharing our vision of making chess more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.
We warmly thank the organizers, volunteers, and the entire Saint-Tropez chess community for their continued enthusiasm and commitment. Their work is a wonderful example of how local initiatives can strengthen the global chess family and inspire more people to discover the joy of our game.
We look forward to seeing this beautiful tradition continue for many years to come.
Photos by Diana Kordowina-Tkacz
