Lovro Pergar: the power of one move

One encounter in a hospital room opened a path that would shape Lovro Pergar's life.

Lovro, from Čakovec, is now 21 years old. When he was ten, he was diagnosed with retinal detachment in his right eye. Surgery was unable to save the sight in that eye.

In his hospital room, he met two roommates: one who loved cars and another who played chess. Through conversations, silence and uncertainty, he discovered two great passions—cars and chess. A few months later, he joined a chess club.

What began by chance grew into a passion, a discipline and a way of life. Lovro competed at county and national competitions, winning medals and recognition. Concentration, patience and determination became an important part of his journey.

Retinal detachment later affected his left eye as well. Another operation saved his sight, but only partially. Lovro then entered the world of competitions for blind and partially sighted players.

In 2017, he represented Croatia at an international competition. Since then, he has regularly competed at national and world championships and won medals. On the chessboard and beyond it, he looks for possibilities and thinks several moves ahead.

Lovro is more than a chess player. He rides a bicycle, plays the drums and loves cars. New challenges and goals lie ahead, and support can give him the opportunity to continue developing his talent and representing his community and Croatia.

His story is not a request for pity. It is an invitation to support opportunity, talent and a journey that can still go much further.

None of us walks alone.