FIDE confers Tolentino high honor

MANILA, Philippines — For his “special contributions to the world of chess,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino was recently conferred Honorary Member by the International Chess Federation or FIDE.

The mayor from Tagaytay served as FIDE general secretary during his term as president of the FIDE Southeast Asian Zone a few years ago while concurrently being the National Chess Federation of the Philippines secretary-general.

He gave up his position in the NCFP to give way to younger blood. Interestingly, the board spot went to his daughter, Cavite Vice Gov. Athena Tolentino, who was recently elected NCFP first vice president under chairman-president Butch Pichay.

FIDE also recognized his service and accomplishments as head of the POC as well as his presidency of the SEA Games Federation when the country hosted the 30th SEAG edition in 2019.

It was the highest honor to be bestowed to anyone by the 195-member FIDE General Assembly.

The PhilCycling chief shared the honor to the whole country.

“It’s an honor to be conferred such an award from the FIDE, but this honor is not for me personally, but for Philippine chess, Philippine sports and the entire country in general,” said Tolentino.