São João del-Rei, MG – February 9, 2024 – The historic streets of São João del-Rei, a tricentennial city in Minas Gerais, Brazil, witnessed a groundbreaking chapter in the nation’s sporting and social inclusion scene on February 7th and 8th. The city became the stage for an unprecedented chess event that seamlessly blended high-level competition with profound human connection, centered on autistic children and youth.
The two-day program featured two landmark initiatives: a simultaneous exhibition where autistic participants faced off against a FIDE Master, and an inclusive tournament that brought together autistic and neurotypical players of various ages and skill levels. The event marked the official launch of the Infinite Chess Project in Minas Gerais, a program dedicated to empowerment and development through chess.
For the participating children and adolescents, the victories extended far beyond checkmates. In an atmosphere of encouragement, players challenged their own limits, with success measured not only by points but by tangible demonstrations of courage, resilience, intense focus, and palpable personal growth. Each moved piece and each game played represented a significant stride toward greater inclusion, strengthened self-confidence, and mutual respect among all participants.
“Victory here has many forms,” observed the organizers Plínio de Paiva. “We saw a child maintain concentration for an entire game, another who bravely executed a practiced strategy, and the beautiful interaction between players who perceive the world differently. That’s the real win.”
The successful launch was made possible through a powerful partnership between the Athletic Club of São João del-Rei, the Associação Pró-Autistas (Pro-Autism Association), and renowned chess teacher and instructor Plínio de Paiva.
With 27 years of experience in chess education, Paiva found a new calling upon encountering the autism cause. He has since dedicated his work to leveraging chess as a powerful tool for inclusion and cognitive and social development. From this commitment blossomed the idea of creating a truly transformative moment: an opportunity for these young enthusiasts to sit across the board from leading figures in national and international chess.
The emotional pinnacle of the event was the experience of 12-year-old Marcelo Junior dos Santos Viana, who traveled over 300 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro to fulfill a dream. Marcelo was given the extraordinary opportunity to play a match against Brazilian chess legend Grandmaster Henrique Mecking, the country’s greatest player of all time, affectionately known as “Mequinho.”
The game unfolded into a delicate bishop and pawn endgame. Demonstrating both deep respect and recognition of the young player’s skill, GM Mecking offered a draw. The gesture overwhelmed Marcelo, who was moved to tears of joy and pride. This moment crystallized the event’s core message: that chess, at its heart, transcends fierce competition. It is also a language of humanity, empathy, and profound inspiration.
The Infinite Chess Project arrives in Brazil with a clear and impactful mission: to include, empower, and foster personal development. It aims to promote the overcoming of challenges, stimulate social interaction and communication, and, above all, cultivate joy for neurodivergent students through the royal game.
In recognition of the crucial support received, the Brazilian organizers extended their sincere gratitude to the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Infinite Chess Program. Special appreciation was highlighted for Maria Tamkovich, whose unwavering dedication and support were instrumental in bringing the project to life in Brazil.
“To Maria and her entire team, we express our deepest thanks,” stated a project representative. “This event is just the beginning. We have witnessed the transformative power of chess, and we are committed to making this inclusion a lasting reality.”
The event in São João del-Rei has set a powerful precedent, demonstrating that the chessboard can be one of Brazil’s most promising arenas for social inclusion, where strategy and intellect meet compassion and human growth.