The III International Congress of Social and Therapeutic Chess took place on the beautiful island of Menorca on March 21-22, 2025.
This already traditionall event brought together world-renowned experts to address the role that chess plays in well-being and health in various areas, such as Autism Spectrum, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), cancer, cognitive impairment and its implementation in prison programs.
The main objective of the conference is to analyze the current state of experiences that combine chess with health at an international level . The versatility of chess as a therapeutic tool has been studied in multiple contexts, and the conference will be a platform to share research, success stories and innovative practices that have been shown to have a positive impact on people’s quality of life.
The Conference was organized by Olimpia Chess Academy and ChessForEdu and worked in collaboration with the main sponsors of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the European Chess Union (ECU) and the Spanish Chess Federation.
In these last two days, we have experienced exceptional moments thanks to the extraordinary contributions of international experts.
Following the welcome words by Vice President of the Insular Council of Menorca Carmen Reynés Calvache and Deputy Chair of FIDE Management Board Dana Reizniece, the great Leontxo García captivated the audience with a brilliant presentation on how chess contributes to social inclusion in all areas of life. The president of the Spanish Association Against Cancer, José Reyes, presented the work being done with people undergoing cancer treatment and the possibilities of introducing therapeutic chess in hospitals. Outstanding Pep Suárez, partners of the Infinite Chess project in Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza and Canary Islands showcased the work has been done in Menorca at the social, therapeutic, and educational levels.
The FIDE Infinite Chess project was introduced by its leader Anastasia Sorokina and coordinator Maria Tamkovich, showing how chess can be an inclusive and transformative tool worldwide.
The second day of the Congress empowered the participants with the unique experience and insights presented by spectacular professionals.
José María Salazar who shared valuable insights on chess and cognitive decline, offering new therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Hilario Blasco surprised everyone with a brilliant scientific presentation on chess and ADHD, opening promising lines of research.
Juan Montero showcased his valuable experience at the Magic Chess Club, highlighting work in drug addiction, elderly care, and social chess, and introduced GYMchess, an innovative software designed especially for the elderly.
Carl Portman delivered a memorable talk on chess as a transformative resource in prisons, emphasizing its enormous social potential.
Dr. Jaume Sauleda masterfully illustrated the benefits of therapeutic chess in cognitive decline.
Franck Droin shared how the L’Échiquier Pour La Vie Foundation opens key spaces for European collaboration in social and therapeutic chess.
From Denmark, Mikkel Nørgaard and Lene Bitsch Bierbaum presented their brilliant educational and social work at the Danish School, greatly enriching the vision of pedagogical chess.
Mirko Trasciatti brought us closer to the valuable use of chess with inmates in Italy, showing impactful results and benefits.
José Vicente Martínez, with his intervention, literally made everyone “see” in a moving way how chess transforms the lives of visually impaired people.
Finally, Prabitha Urwyler gave an extraordinary presentation on chess with the elderly, also closing the congress as an excellent moderator of the final debate.
These days have been unique, enriching, and have consolidated new avenues of collaboration and work at the Balearic, national, and European levels.