**Freedom Holding Corp. Partners with FIDE for World Schools Team Championship in Costa Rica**
The American Continental Stage of the FIDE-ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 is set to take place from August 11 to 16 in San José, Costa Rica. This prestigious event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time that Costa Rica, and the Central American region as a whole, will host this stage of the championship.
The tournament is organized collaboratively by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the International Schools Chess Federation (ISCF), the Costa Rican Chess Federation, and the Confederation of Chess for the Americas. Freedom Holding Corp., the parent company of Freedom24, has been designated as the General Partner for the event, underscoring its commitment to promoting chess and educational initiatives.
The championship will feature leading school teams from across the Americas, competing for a chance to secure their places in the World Schools Team Championship 2026 Grand Final. This final will bring together the winners from various continental stages, highlighting the global nature of the event.
A key highlight of the championship week will be the "Smart Moves Americas: Governments That Think Ahead" conference, scheduled for August 12. This ministerial conference aims to unite government representatives, education authorities, curriculum specialists, and international partners to explore effective strategies for integrating chess into educational systems across the Americas. The conference is part of the broader initiative known as the Year of Chess in Education 2026.
Discussions at the conference will focus on several vital areas, including national policy development, teacher training, curriculum integration, and fostering regional cooperation. Additionally, the event will feature a memorandum-signing ceremony and the launch of the Beacons League School Certification Programme, specifically designed for Costa Rican schools. This initiative aims to recognize and promote excellence in chess education within the region.
Throughout the championship week, participants can expect a rich program that includes masterclasses, classroom-focused sessions, initiatives aimed at empowering girls in leadership roles, and interactive activities tailored for students, teachers, parents, and coaches. These activities are designed to enhance the educational experience and promote the benefits of chess as a tool for cognitive development.
Freedom Holding Corp.'s involvement in the championship reflects its ongoing dedication to the development of chess and youth education. The company aims to create long-term opportunities for future generations, emphasizing the importance of educational initiatives that can foster critical thinking and strategic skills among young learners.
As the countdown to the championship begins, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting and impactful event in the world of educational chess. With the support of key partners and a focus on collaboration, the American Continental Stage of the FIDE-ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 is poised to make a significant contribution to the promotion of chess in education across the Americas.