The FIDE World School Chess Championship 2024 began on May 1 in Callao, Lima, Peru. A thrilling opening ceremony marked the start of this esteemed chess event. The ceremony was graced by top Peruvian authorities, including Ciro Castillo Rojo Salas, Regional Governor of Callao, Guido Flores Marchan, president of the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD), and Morgan Niccolo Quero Gaime, minister of education of Peru.
During the ceremony, Dr. Castillo Rojo Salas and Minister Quero made the first ceremonial moves on one of the chessboards. The competition featured six age groups: U7, U9, U11, U13, U15 and U17 for both boys and girls. A total of 1200 chess players from 26 different countries participated in the championship. Each category consisted of nine-round Swiss tournaments.
The excitement and enthusiasm of participants were captured in stunning photographs courtesy of Gobierno Regional del Callao and Media center Mundial Escolar. The traditional dance performance by a local group representing Peru’s diverse regions added to the festivities showcasing the country’s rich culture.
