♟️ Chess for everyone. Opportunity for everyone.

On Friday, July 24, 2026, the Barbados Chess Federation, with the generous support of FIDE – the International Chess Federation, donated Braille chess sets and talking chess clocks to the National United Society of the Blind, marking another important step towards making chess more accessible in Barbados.

The presentation took place at the Barrack Building in Warrens and was attended by:
• Hon. Adrian Forde, M.P., Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment
• Allan Herbert, President, Barbados Chess Federation
• Dirk Austin, Coach
• Ralbert Ashton, President, National United Society of the Blind
• Kerryann Ifill, Immediate Past President, National United Society of the Blind
• Mark Franklin, Acting Permanent Secretary
• Julia Atkins, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Forde pledged his support for a future national chess tournament for the blind and visually impaired community.

BCF President Allan Herbert noted that the donation forms part of FIDE’s 2025 Social Chess Initiative, which promotes inclusion and expands access to chess for underrepresented communities worldwide.

Both the Ministry and the Barbados Chess Federation reaffirmed their commitment to creating a pathway for persons with disabilities to participate fully in national chess competitions.

Together, we’re ensuring that the game of chess is truly a game for all. ♟️🇧🇧