By Neilley Claude EBESSA
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
A total prize pool of over 1.6 million FCFA: this is the exceptional jackpot that the Cameroon Chess Federation (FECADE) is putting on the line to officially launch its 2026 sports season. For this grand return to the national chessboard, scheduled for this Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Yaoundé Multipurpose Sports Complex (PAPOSY), the federation has pulled out all the stops with particularly attractive financial rewards.
In the flagship Open Mixte (Mixed Open) category, competitors will battle for a total purse of 860,000 FCFA. Women are also in the spotlight with a dedicated allocation of 300,000 FCFA for the Open Féminin (Women’s Open), a strong initiative aimed at encouraging female participation in the discipline across Cameroon. Finally, young talents in the U17 category and the Veterans are not left out, with packages of 225,000 FCFA reserved for each of these categories. Thanks to the backing of major partners such as telecom giant MTN and the Port Authority of Douala (PAD), registration for this major event is entirely free for all licensed FECADE players.
Chess enthusiasts and licensed players proudly display their chessboards in front of ASTI in Yaoundé, fully mobilized to make the discipline shine this season
The official program for this intense day, signed by the Federation’s Secretary General, International Arbiter (IA/FI) Makem Pierre, will unfold in two main highlights.
In the Morning: Open House, Animations, and Public Initiation
The first part of the day, running from 08:00 to 11:45, will be entirely dedicated to popularizing the sport and engaging with the public. Activities will kick off at 08:00 with the opening of the venue and technical setup, followed at 09:00 by the general briefing of the Organizing Committee. At 10:00, the official opening of the animation spaces will launch a two-hour window dedicated to simultaneous chess exhibitions and public entertainment.
A general view of the training room where competitors are sharpening their strategies just days away from the official season opener at the Yaoundé Multipurpose Sports Complex
The morning schedule features several captivating moments: a blindfold chess exhibition at 10:15, followed by artistic and cultural performances at 10:30. Starting at 10:45, chess awareness and initiation sessions will allow beginners to discover the basic rules, right before the distribution of FECADE brochures and the presentation of the clubs at 11:00. The progressive arrival of guests, partners, and officials will begin at 11:30, serving as a transition to the protocol sequence at 11:45.
In the Afternoon: Official Protocol and Time for Competition
The second part of the day will mark the entry into the heart of the matter with the protocol ceremony and the start of the official tournament. The protocol setup and parade circuit will be put in place at precisely 12:00. At 12:10, the public will witness the flag parade (Cameroon, FIDE, ACC, FECADE, and clubs), immediately followed at 12:20 by the parade of national and Olympic champions.
An intense face-off in the making. With a special 300,000 FCFA prize pool dedicated to the Women’s Open, the ladies are ready to set the pace on the board this Saturday
Following the presentation of sponsors at 12:35 and the arrival of invited dignitaries at 12:45, the National Anthem will be performed at 12:50. Official speeches will commence at 12:55, followed by remarks from the Tournament Director at 13:05, and the official photograph at 13:15. The kickoff and official launch of the Tournoi de l’Unité 2026 will be pronounced at 13:20, paving the way for the competitive tournament rounds from 13:30 until 17:00.
This great day of celebration will conclude with the recall of officials for the closing ceremony at 16:40, the proclamation of results followed by the prize presentation at 17:20, official thanks to partners at 17:45, and finally, the official closing of all activities at 18:00. The stage is set in Yaoundé, and the first pawn will be moved this Saturday at exactly 13:30.
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