CAF organizes first simultaneous chess match in Uruguay with the young champion Remo Bassan

The event featured young Venezuelan chess player Remo Bassan – aged only 16 - champion of the 2010 Festival of Central American and Caribbean Youth, who competed in 20 simultaneous games: 16 in the CAF offices in Montevideo and four remotely in the CAF headquarters in Venezuela.

"Our main objective is to integrate us into Uruguayan society and promote activities to raise awareness of CAF from an integrated perspective," CAF director representative in Uruguay Gladis Genua said.

Officials from the Office of the Uruguayan President, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), World Bank (WB), Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU), Ministry of Economy and Finance ( MEF), and Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) were invited to witness these first simultaneous games.

FUA President Bernardo Roselli said the activity "is an interesting exchange experience with Latin America and a good opportunity for Uruguayan players."

"Chess is one of the few disciplines that can unite different generations," he added. "It is a very interesting instrument because the player has to constantly make choices and reflect before making a move. And the only activity that we human beings are going to do for the rest of our days is to take decisions."

On his first visit to Uruguay, Remo Bassan said, "the beautiful thing about this type of activity is that you can share with others who have different levels of play" and "help spread chess."

Bass, who began playing at age 10 and believes that chess players "see the future," commented "since I was a child I have related to games of strategy. I am passionate about this sport which opens many doors."