Olympic Beach Initiative launched in Argentina
Argentina has launched an exciting new sports project called Olympic Beach, bringing Olympic values and sports activities to the country’s beautiful coastlines. This initiative is part of the buildup to the Santa Fe 2026 South American Games.
The official inauguration took place on January 8, 2026, at the Horizonte Beach Club in Mar del Plata. The event was attended by key figures, including Mario Moccia, President of the Argentine Olympic Committee (COA), Maximiliano Pullaro, Governor of Santa Fe Province, several Olympic athletes, and local officials. Chess was also represented, with Javier Curilen, Vice President of the Argentine Chess Federation (FADA), present at the ceremony.
Under the leadership of Mario Petrucci, Executive Director of FADA, COA member, and representative on FIDE’s Chess in Multinational Sports Games Committee, chess has been officially included in the Olympic Beach activities. This move highlights chess as an important mind sport alongside traditional beach sports.
The Olympic Beach program runs from January 7 to February 1 and covers eight major locations: Mar del Plata, Chapadmalal, Miramar, Pinamar, Cariló, Villa Gesell, Rosario, and Concepción del Uruguay. Visitors can enjoy beach sports competitions, exhibitions, free sports clinics, children’s and youth activities, environmental clean-up drives, and community events.
Chess played a special role during the opening celebrations in Mar del Plata. The Mar del Plata Chess Federation organized a Blitz chess tournament at Varese Beach. Open boards were available for casual games, along with simultaneous exhibitions and inclusive activities designed for players of all ages and skill levels.
With chess joining the Olympic Beach movement, summer chess in Argentina is truly moving at an Olympic pace.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
