by croatiaweek
April 11, 2025
in
(Photo: HSSG)
A touching and symbolic encounter took place this week at the European Deaf Team Chess Championship, currently being held in the coastal town of Trogir in Croatia.
Nine-year-old Nina from Poland, the youngest participant in the tournament, played a friendly match against the event’s oldest competitor – 85-year-old Sergej from Germany.
The moment captured the essence of chess as a sport that bridges generations, overcomes language and communication barriers, and promotes inclusion and unity.
(Photo: HSSG)
Nina, who showed exceptional talent and determination, also helped her team win a silver medal in the blitz chess category. Her meeting with Sergej has been described as one of the most memorable highlights of the championship.
(Photo: HSSG)
This is the first time that Croatia has hosted the European Deaf Team Chess Championship, and the event has brought together 100 athletes and delegates from 11 countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, England, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Slovenia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine and the host nation, Croatia.
(Photo: HSSG)
The championship runs from 5 to 13 April, showcasing not only competitive spirit but also the powerful role of sport in fostering inclusion and mutual respect across cultures and generations.