On September 21, 2024, Budapest hosted the Social Chess conference. The event brought together passionate chess enthusiasts, social innovators, and social project leaders to explore the transformative power of chess in various social contexts.
Infinite chess project was presented by Maria Tamkovich, project coordinator, who delivered a presentation on using chess to assist children with ASD. Since its inception in 2021, the project has grown to involve 19 countries. A handbook for teaching chess to children with ASD now available in 5 languages, has been a crucial resource. Maria also provided insights from recent research, highlighting chess’s positive impact on cognitive and behavioral development in children with ASD.
The Infinite chess project partners from South Africa Erick Takawira and Kanthi Sarjoo supported the presentation with infield experience on the benefits of the project. Being a member of Infinite chess family for 3 years they presented academical testimonials and video feedbacks from teachers, tutors, parents and even kids – students of the Infinite chess classes.