Engaging the minds

Checkmate! Engaging in battle of the minds
By Lydia Tipple

MP Sandra Gidley is helping to bring the game of chess to schools across the county.

She hopes to write to all local schools to promote the scheme which is being organised by the English Chess Federation.

The aim is to provide a quarter of a million chess sets to schools across the UK so Mrs Gidley decided to help promote the scheme in Hampshire.

“I was thrilled to hear about this generous scheme,” she said. “Chess is a great game to learn when you are young.

“It’s a game which develops logic and strategy which are useful tools throughout life.

“I urge all pupils across Hampshire to check whether your friends like chess and to persuade your headteachers to take advantage of this tremendous offer.”

Headteacher of Stockbridge Primary School Peter Johnson thinks encouraging children to play chess is a very good idea.

“Chess definitely encourages thinking and social skills so I think this is a great initiative for schools,” he said.

“Having indoor games is good for children as some don’t enjoy running around outside at break times so being able to give them the option of do-ing something fun inside is great.

Here is the full article.