Third Annual Autism Talks Held in Almaty, Kazakhstan
On April 6, the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan hosted the third annual Autism Talks. This special event was held alongside the Asian Chess Championship (Zone 3.4) and celebrated World Autism Awareness Day, which is observed every year on April 2.
The event honored inspiring stories from parents of children with special needs, showing how love, patience, and dedication can transform lives.
It was organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KCF), in partnership with FIDE (the International Chess Federation), under the Infinite Chess project.
What Is the Infinite Chess Project?
Infinite Chess is a global initiative by FIDE to promote inclusive chess education. It focuses on helping children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The project started in Kazakhstan in November 2024, at Special Boarding School No. 1. In 2025, it expanded to the “Autism Pobedim!” Center in Almaty, where international coach Vitaliy Kozyak now trains two groups of students.
Powerful Voices, Shared Stories
The Autism Talks event featured touching presentations from parents, experts, and public figures. Speakers included:
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Aruzhan Sain
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Aliya Arkharova
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Zhanna Kalieva
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Rustam Kairbekov
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Madina Nurkenova
The session was hosted by Dinara Gaplan, who guided the discussion with care and empathy.
Expert Insights
During the expert session, several professionals shared valuable knowledge:
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Asel Ibraeva – Psychiatrist
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Asiya Kizatova – Behavioral Analyst
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Nadezhda Kravchuk – FIDE Infinite Chess Ambassador
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Bakyttygul Akhmetjanova – Psychologist
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Maulen Akhmetov – UN Volunteer
A Vision for the Future
Darmen Sadvakasov, Vice President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, shared:
“With FIDE and the Bolashak Foundation, we’re building inclusive chess programs. We believe chess is a universal language. It needs no words, but it connects people. That’s the heart of the Infinite Chess project—bringing new hope to children with autism and other developmental challenges.”
A Grand Finale
The event ended on a high note with a simultaneous chess exhibition for children. It was led by Grandmaster Kazybek Nogerbek, the 2024 World Junior Champion.
There was also a prize draw for partners, featuring chess sets, books, certificates, and courses.
Photos: Yevgeniy Kim, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
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