Alumni TIES Workshops
Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars provides exchange alumni with a unique chance to explore significant regional topics, acquire skills through training sessions, engage in collaboration with other alumni, and apply for small grants to execute community projects back home.
This year the Alumni TIES workshops, themed around "Diversity and Inclusion through Sports Diplomacy" took place in the heart of France — Paris — between March 4th and 8th. Through thematic breakout sessions and interactive discussions, participants explored ways to reach underserved communities and overcome barriers to inclusivity within sports organizations. The seminars not only encourage discussion but also equipped attendees with resources to drive change in their communities. Let’s join Emilia Egeman, a 2023 FLEX alumna, who through her commitment to making chess more accessible to all, has been chosen to participate in the workshops.
Emilia is a professional chess player. Not only did she secure an impressive 10th place in the KCF All Girls National Chess Championship during her exchange year in the United States, but she also clinched victory in both the World Chess Championship for People with Disabilities and the Polish Chess Championships. Beyond her achievements on the chessboard Emilia is organizing chess classes for the Ukrainians in Katowice and even held a charity chess tournament. Her volunteering work is connected to chess as well, as she helps to bring this sport to the disabled community.
Emilia's experience was nothing short of transformative. As an advocate for inclusivity in sports, Emilia enjoyed meeting a diverse group of participants, each with their own stories of resilience and empowerment. From a winner of "Georgia Got Talent" who founded a dance school for the disabled, to sport diplomacy initiatives leaders, Emilia was surrounded by many inspiring narratives; including participants from programs such as the Global Sports Mentoring Program, Women Empowerment Program, Fulbright Program, International Visitor Leadership Program, as well as representatives from the US Embassy, the US Department of State and numerous sport journalists.
The theme of diversity and inclusion resonated most deeply with Emilia. As a person with a vision disability herself, she especially understands the ups and downs of sports inclusivity and wants to improve it. Emilia has helped to both mentor and train many other disabled people in chess and thanks to the seminars has become even more motivated to fight bias and discrimination in sport.
Among the many impactful moments during the workshops, Emilia found herself particularly moved by a discussion on women empowerment led by Vanessa Archontidou, a trailblazing Greek alpinist and founder of "A Woman Can Be". Her remarkable seminar conveyed the importance of empowering women in sports — a message that struck a chord with Emilia and strengthened her dedication to advocating for gender equality.
Emilia has had many amazing networking opportunities during her time in Paris. She has met alumni from all over the world with whom she is looking forward to collaborating on future community projects. Emilia found two particularly inspiring individuals during the workshop. One was Pedro from Portugal, a visually impaired law student at Columbia University. Together, through shared common interests and adversities they have faced, they came up with an idea to organize a chess summer camp for disabled individuals, especially focusing on children with sight defects.
Another source of inspiration was Reka from Hungary, who shared her story of overcoming adversity as an amputee after a car accident. Through sports, Reka found acceptance of her prosthetic leg, regaining a better outlook on life. Sport helped her to find resilience and determination once again. Reka’s story made Emilia realize just how influential this sense of purpose and belonging provided by sports really is.
“Sport is a great way to socialize, build relations, meet people and to self-fulfillment, that’s why I think everyone should have an equal access to it, regardless of gender, ability, or background”
In a world where barriers to inclusivity are common, Emilia's journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of sports diplomacy. The Alumni TIES workshops served as a platform for Emilia to amplify her advocacy for diversity and inclusion, while forging meaningful connections with like-minded changemakers. Through collaborative efforts and dedication, Emilia and her peers are redefining the landscape of sports — one initiative at a time.