Infinite Chess Taiwan

I am Anderson, the founder of the NPO Infinite Chess Taiwan, as well as the founder and president of the Taiwan Youth Chess Association (TYCA). I am also a chess player representing Taiwan in international competitions.

Chess is an excellent tool for interaction, connecting people from diverse backgrounds. It is a sport without barriers, especially friendly and inclusive for special or unique children, bringing benefits to everyone. I am very excited to have received permission to bring this project to Taiwan.

Every child can learn and thrive.

Is autism a disability or an opportunity? It is challenging, frustrating and sometimes unpredictable, however it is also providing freedom and creativity to manifest in extraordinary ways. Infinite Chess Project's goal is to shift a paradigm and prove that our differences are our strongest superpowers.

Chess is a great activity for children with autism spectrum to pick up critical life lessons, not only give enjoyment, satisfaction and pleasure to these special kids but also improve their physical and mental health. Chess has no limitations, no prejudice, no boundaries. Chess is more than just a game; it is a friend beyond the board.

TYCA has been a non-profit partner of the Yale Model United Nations Taiwan for three consecutive years.

TYCA members not only engage with global issues alongside YALE MUN, but also use this platform to introduce the Taiwan Youth Chess Association to potential future leaders from various countries. In addition to promoting the various benefits of chess, it also showcases the efforts of Taiwanese youth in helping children with autism worldwide. Through YALE MUN, we hope to rally more people to join the Infinite Chess Project

  We shared chess with the children, and they entrusted their hearts to us. Through the world depicted by their paintbrushes, they expressed their dreams. Not only did they take us on a tour of Taiwan’s east coast, but they also took us camping by the sea, traveling around the island by train, celebrating a joyful Christmas together, and concluding the journey during the Lunar New Year reunion. For the 2024 calendar, we collectively painted our shared memories.  

   Parents are the primary companions and caregivers for children with autism. To provide more comprehensive support, TYCA has introduced chess courses specifically for parents. The program aims to encourage children to interact with family members through chess beyond the classroom setting. 

 As the FIDE Infinite Chess Project continued to help more and more children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we also received increasing messages from children in need of support. These messages brought us mixed emotions. On one hand, we were thrilled to be able to help more children through chess; on the other hand, we were concerned about our limitations as a youth volunteer group with finite manpower and time. After seeking assistance from the FIDE Infinite Chess Project, we decided to launch the Infinite Chess Project Teacher Course.

The first training session has successfully concluded. In the future courses, we will unite everyone's strength and do our best to sow this seed of kindness. We hope to serve more children and open a small door for them to enter the world of chess.

  The Taiwan Youth Chess Association (TYCA) has translated the FIDE Infinite Chess Project’s teaching guidelines for children with autism into Traditional Chinese, a project completed over five months. Since launching the "Infinite Chess Project" in May 2023, TYCA has gained recognition from ASD parents and organizations but faced challenges due to a shortage of coaches and language barriers. Led by Anderson Chao, Sebastian Chan, and Angie Chao, the translation aims to make chess education more accessible for ASD children in Taiwan and other Chinese-speaking regions. TYCA plans to digitize the handbook, further innovating its teaching methods to overcome obstacles and provide inclusive learning opportunities. 

 Link: https://infinitechess.fide.com/....../Infinite-Chess...... ..

 Former Minister of Justice Tsai Ching-Hsiang Supports Taiwan Youth Chess Volunteer Program to Aid Autistic Children On November 15, former Minister of Justice Tsai Ching-hsiang attended an event for the 24th "Taishin Youth Volunteer Elite Award – National Elite Award" recipient, Chao Tzu-yi, expressing his support for Chao's initiative to help children with autism through chess. Andesson founded the Taiwan Youth Chess Association (TYCA), leading a team dedicated to charitable activities that assist underprivileged children in learning chess. He has also secured participation in the International Chess Federation's global initiative for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), making Taiwan the 12th participating country in this program. After stepping down as Minister of Justice, Tsai Ching-hsiang has remained active in public service, serving as an honorary ambassador for World Vision Taiwan's Blue Ocean Project. He continues to advocate for diversified education in correctional schools, aiming to help young people transform their lives through sports. 

Thank you to FIDE Infinite Chess for their recognition and coverage of our event.
On December 22, 2024, the Taiwan Youth Chess Association (TYCA) marked a milestone by guiding two children with autism, Kai and Wen, from the Infinite Chess Project to participate in their first open competition, the Taipei National School Cup Team Chess Championship. Despite initial anxiety and challenges during the tournament, TYCA’s dedicated coaches provided emotional support, mock match preparations, and encouragement to help the children navigate the event. Both faced setbacks but overcame their fears, showing resilience and growth. While they didn’t secure wins, their journey was a triumph of courage, teamwork, and perseverance. TYCA remains committed to empowering more ASD children through chess, fostering confidence and development in every step of their journey.

Link: https://infinitechess.fide.com/....../infinite-chess......