Steven Bellens 25.12.2025
The entire team of board members and staff wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The Christmas period is a time for rest and reflection—at least, when no chess is being played. The world’s top players are starting the World Rapid & Blitz Championships today. Be sure to follow us on Instagram to stay updated! Meanwhile, others find the holiday season the perfect time to organize local chess tournaments.
I want to use this holiday message to thank the many volunteers who dedicate themselves to our chess community. Our clubs rely on volunteers to fill board positions, give lessons, and organize tournaments. The same applies to the leagues and regional federations. The Belgian Chess Federation itself is formed by a group of administrators and staff who volunteer their time for the Belgian chess community. To all volunteers: thank you for your incredible commitment to the Belgian chess community!! Our game simply wouldn’t be the same without you.
For those who feel inspired to contribute: please know that any form of help, no matter how small, is more than welcome. In my previous post, I shared what chess means to me personally. Contributing to the chess community not only brings value to others but can also provide you with a unique sense of fulfillment.
Use this holiday season to recharge, and start January with renewed energy to pursue your goals for the coming (chess) year!
Steven Bellens 11.01.2026 4
In our board meeting from January 6th, all administrators got assigned their areas of responsibility. You can read about each…
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Steven Bellens 19.12.2025 1
In a world that seems to spin ever faster, where we are constantly overstimulated by screens and deadlines, chess offers a unique form of focus. When you sit behind the board, only the here and now matters. For me, chess is not just a mind sport, but also a form of mental rest. It forces you to shut out the noise and return to the essence of the (chess) problem in front of you.
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