Three standout young chess players from the Virgin Islands, Kiara Phillip, Chane-Ann Chin, and Makalia Fergus, have been selected to represent the Virgin Islands National Chess Team at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Photo: Facebook

The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad runs from September 15 to 27, 2026, at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre in Samarkand, drawing hundreds of national teams from around the world. Photo: Internet Source

The announcement, shared in a Facebook post by Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC), celebrates the trio’s achievement as they prepare to compete on one of chess’s biggest international stages.

Hundreds of teams to be represented 

The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad runs from September 15 to 27, 2026, at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre in Samarkand, drawing hundreds of national teams from around the world. 

For the Virgin Islands, this marks a high-profile appearance following strong regional performances, including top-10 finishes at the inaugural Caribbean Chess Cup in Aruba earlier this month. 

The national delegation was scheduled to depart the Virgin Islands on September 11 to compete in the event, which is considered among the most prestigious team tournaments in chess.

BFEC students 

BFEC students Kiara Phillip and Makalia Fergus previously represented the BVI Women’s team in preparatory tournaments, including a training trip to Peru in late June, as part of a structured build-up to the Olympiad. 

The Women’s National Team is being coached and captained for the Olympiad by Colombian trainer and International Woman Master Angela Franco, while the Open Team is coached by Grandmaster Samy Shoker and captained by Art Christopher.

In its Facebook post, BFEC expressed pride in the players’ dedication, discipline, and determination, noting that the “entire BFEC family is behind you, cheering you on every step of the way.” The post also urged the trio to “play boldly, think strategically, represent proudly,” framing their selection as a moment of pride not only for BFEC but for the entire Virgin Islands.