The FIDE Infinite Chess project is built on a global community of partners who share a vision of chess as a force for good. This summer, our incredible partners at the Taiwan Youth Chess Association (TYCA) have exemplified this spirit, achieving remarkable milestones that expand the reach and deepen the impact of inclusive chess. We are thrilled to share their inspiring progress.
Under the banner of “Infinite Chess for Inclusion,” TYCA has been tirelessly working to integrate chess into educational and social frameworks, creating powerful outcomes for children, families, and educators alike.
Here’s a look at their transformative summer:
1. Chess as a Bridge: Integrating into the ASD First Grade Transition Program
In July and August, TYCA was honored to be invited by the New Taipei City Department of Education and the Autism Foundation of Taiwan to participate in a vital initiative: the ASD First Grade Transition Program.
Within this program, TYCA introduced a Chess Social Skills Class, where children on the autism spectrum used the game to practice essential life skills like focus, patience, and positive social interaction. Recognizing that support must extend beyond the classroom, TYCA also launched the Third Session of their Parent Chess Class. By empowering parents with chess basics and an understanding of its educational value, they are building a sustainable, holistic support system that continues from the session into the home.
2. Going Global: Showcasing Infinite Chess in Fukuoka, Japan
August marked a significant international milestone. TYCA joined an official Taiwan Government delegation to Fukuoka, Japan, to present the Infinite Chess Project at various educational and community exchanges.
This was a powerful opportunity to showcase our shared vision on an international stage. The response from Japanese educators and parents was profoundly encouraging. They recognized chess not merely as a tool for logic, but as a universal language for building empathy, patience, and inclusion. This cross-cultural validation reinforces our belief in the boundless potential of chess to connect and uplift communities worldwide.
3. Building a Legacy: Training the Next Generation of Educators
A core pillar of the Infinite Chess mission is sustainability. To that end, TYCA organized the Third Session of the Seed Teacher and Volunteer Training Program this summer. This crucial initiative equips young volunteers and aspiring educators with specialized pedagogical tools, inclusive teaching strategies, and chess-based lesson plans designed for children with diverse learning needs.
By growing this network of passionate, trained advocates, TYCA is ensuring that the “Infinite Chess for Inclusion” movement is not just a program, but a scalable and enduring force for change.
A Shared Vision for the Future
This summer, TYCA’s work has beautifully advanced the core objectives of the Infinite Chess project:
- Integration: Bringing inclusive chess into government-led educational programs.
- International Expansion: Showcasing the model successfully in a new cultural context.
- Holistic Support: Extending the initiative’s benefits from children to their entire families.
- Sustainability: Training a new cohort of educators to multiply the impact.
These achievements bring us all significantly closer to our long-term shared vision: to make chess an integral part of early intervention and inclusive education worldwide.
We extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations to Anderson Chao, Angie Chao, and the entire Taiwan Youth Chess Association team for their dedication, innovation, and profound impact. Their work is a shining example of what is possible through partnership and a shared belief in the power of chess.
We look forward to supporting and sharing their next chapters of growth.
Join the Movement via #InfiniteChess on social media. Support inclusive chess programs in your community.