(Luke is third from the left)
Boise, ID – October 1, 2012
The World Chess Federation Announces
Luke Vellotti
is awarded the International Title of FIDE MASTER
(Fédération Internationale des Échecs)
At just 13 years old, Idaho’s most famous chess-player has been awarded the title of FIDE master. This Boise student is the first ever in the state’s history to reach this level of accomplishment in chess. This performance-based title is awarded for life to less than 5,000 players in the world of any age. Luke’s latest achievement was secured at the 2012 Metropolitan International Chess Championship in Los Angeles this past August. He is additionally the current #1 ranked youth player in all of America under the age of 14.
Luke, a local Boise public school student, has been successfully representing the state of Idaho in the chess world since he was 4 yrs old. He is also an academic standout in the areas of math and science, who has been accepted into an official internship position in the math department of BSU this fall. His math professor, Andres Caicedo, is an expert in the field of Set Theory and Combinatorics. They plan to work together for the next year on projects related to the professor’s new book!
Luke has also been very active in his community, using chess as a tool to bring publicity and donations to worthy causes. He is pictured above raising money for the Haiti Relief Fund. His current project involves a fundraiser for the local Epilepsy Foundation to be held in December at Crane Creek Country Club.
Luke is very grateful for the huge outpouring of support from Idaho residents that has allowed his to accomplish his long-time goal of becoming a FIDE Master.
If you would like to read more about all of his achievements, please visit his website at: www.LukeVellotti.com
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Just a note- Luke is still just 13 yrs of age!