FIDE’s Site Visit to Africa

According with the program approved in the last EB meeting a delegation composed by Mr. Allan Herbert, CACDEC Chairman, Mr. Uvencio Blanco, CIS Chairman and Mr. Jorge Vega, Presidential Board Member and Continental President for America paid a visit to South Africa and Botswana on September 5-14th, 2008, in order to see over the ground the needs to develop chess there and coordinate the help to be given by both Commissions. This was the first high level FIDE visit since time ago.

During the visit meetings were held with the respective National Federation and National Sport and Educational Authorities and also in schools where chess is taught. The presence of Mr. Dabilani Buthali was a great help. The visits were held in a very friendly atmosphere.

The results were very profitable with a reciprocal experience exchange.

Being in Botswana a formal meeting with Mr. Buthali was held where the African situation was examined, a second visit to other African Federations during the next months was agreed.

The cooperation given by the National Federations was remarkable which has been easily done in a great way.

Mr. Allan Herbert acted as Secretary and will prepare an official report for the next General Assembly.

Our delegation expresses its gratitude to Mr. Buthali and the Board Members of the National Federations visited and also to the National Authorities for the support and help given.

Mexico City, September the 16th. 2008

Jorge Vega
Continental President for America