Chess gains ground in Seychelles education |03 October 2026

First Lady Herminie in a souvenir photo with the Seychelles delegation

Seychelles’ participation in the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad and the FIDE Summit on Chess in Education 2026 in Uzbekistan has highlighted the country's growing commitment to chess as a tool for education and youth development.

The Seychelles delegation joined players and representatives from around the world at the prestigious event, while First Lady Veronique Herminie delivered the keynote address at the FIDE Summit, outlining Seychelles’ vision for expanding chess in schools and communities.

The First Lady thanked the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Uzbekistan Chess Federation for inviting the Seychelles delegation and for the warm welcome extended to its members.

She also described it as an honour to make the ceremonial first move in the women's match between Seychelles and the US Virgin Islands. Adding to the significance of the occasion, a Seychellois woman served as an arbiter at the Olympiad.

In her keynote address, Mrs Herminie said her interest in chess is closely linked to her broader focus on education and youth empowerment.

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