Children from Ribnita and Rezina develop their analytical thinking in chess schools, renovated by the European Union. Both institutions were modernized as part of the “Chess without Borders” initiative of the Chess Federation of Moldova. The European Union's contribution was of 110,000 Euros and was offered in the framework of the Support to Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP. On Sunday, both schools hosted cross-river tournaments and were visited by the EU and UNDP representatives.

The Rezina chess school operates within the “Alexandru cel Bun” high school, with over 900 children enrolled. The opening of the chess school was praised by children and their parents. The demand for playing chess was high, but until recently they didn’t have a proper facility and coaches.

“I would like to congratulate you for choosing to play chess. Chess is not just fun – it is also a great exercise to help your brains grow and to develop a number of other important skills – that will help you later in life,” noted Stefan Liller, UNDP Moldova deputy Resident Representative.

The chess school from Ribnita raises European champions. Ilia Martinovici, holder of European Champion title in 2015, is one of its alumni. Like all students and coaches, the young man is delighted by the new look of his chess school.

Only a year ago, playing chess came along with freezing in wintertime, or feeling stuffy in the summertime. Rezina and Ribnita schools were renovated, endowed with furniture and equipment. Both facilities became accessible for persons with disabilities.

Chess lessons are available free of charge. Coaches benefited from trainings and chess handbooks were offered, as part of the “Chess without Borders” initiative.

“This is a unique project and we are glad that we received EU’s support for its implementation. Both centers can host competitions at national level. I am sure that through joint competitions, we will increase trust between the two banks of the Nistru River," said Sergei Bargan, the representative of the Moldova Chess Federation.

The chess schools from Ribnita and Rezina are among the 80 community facilities renovated in the framework of the EU-funded Support to Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP. The Programme aims to increase trust between people on both banks of the Nistru River by involving local leaders in joint projects.