AL AIN: In conjunction with the victory of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, in hosting the World Chess Olympiad in 2028, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Chess Federation and the Asian Chess Federation.
The MoU aims to establish, support, and develop the sport of chess for individuals with autism spectrum disorder affiliated with the organisation.
The collaboration between the three parties focuses on training and qualifying this group to engage in chess, participate in local and international sports tournaments and competitions.
The MoU was signed by Arkady Dvorkovich, the President of the International Chess Federation; Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Asian Chess Federation; and Abdullah Al-Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO.
The signing ceremony took place at the Al Ain Exhibition and Conference Centre on the sidelines of the Asia
Youth, Junior, and Cadet Chess Championship.
The organisation has initiated the rehabilitation and training of its members with determination, specifically those with autism spectrum disorder, in the game of chess. This is carried out by a team of specialised personnel, with the goal of preparing these individuals for participation in international tournaments and competitions. This announcement was made on the sidelines of the Asia Youth, Junior, and Cadet Chess Championship held in the city of Al Ain.
Under the MoU, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) regulates special events and facilitates the participation of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in specialised tournaments.
The MoU also involves the implementation of awareness programmes, international conferences, informative lectures, and workshops about their engagement in chess. Additionally, it includes training for teachers and educators on working with individuals with autism, the development of training methodologies for these indivi
duals, and continuous research with the sharing of results on the impact of chess on their social and emotional well-being.
On the part of the Asian Chess Federation, programmes and training plans for chess games are developed and implemented, and the technical, skill, and physical development of players with autism spectrum disorder in Asia is assessed and measured. The Federation provides necessary training programs for coaches and human resources to execute the training based on agreed-upon programmes. Full logistical support is offered, including the provision of training materials and equipment, the use of sports facilities, technical, administrative, and logistical support during regional competitions, and the involvement of stakeholders in workshops, seminars, and training courses organised by the Asian Chess Federation. Furthermore, the Federation supports and markets the products of individuals with disabilities, specifically those with autism spectrum disorder.
Based on the MoU, ZHO has establishe
d a chess team consisting of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The organisation facilitates their participation in local and international competitions in coordination with the Asian and International Chess Federations. The organisation provides all necessary support for the parties to use available sports facilities for training its members and organising local and international sports tournaments according to prior agreements with the three entities. Additionally, it collaborates in conducting informative workshops on autism spectrum disorder and the mechanisms for dealing with various behavior associated with disability characteristics. Furthermore, it contributes to spreading the culture of chess among the families of people with determination.
Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, the President of the Asian Chess Federation, the President of the Emirates Electronic Sports Federation, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Chess and Mind Sports Club, confirmed that the
signing of the MoU stems from the importance of enabling people with disabilities to engage in chess. The goal is to train and qualify them, especially those with autism spectrum disorder, to participate in the game. This includes the development of programs and sports activities tailored for them, scientifically preparing them to participate in local and international sports tournaments and competitions.
Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan commended the role of ZHO, under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO).
He acknowledged the organisation’s programmes and initiatives that adhere to international standards, benefiting various categories of people with determination.
Source: Emirates News Agency