UK chess

Hoping for chess success
Jun 23 2008 by Dave Robson, Evening Gazette

CHILDREN were left picking up the pieces when an MP checked in with an unusual gift.

Redcar MP Vera Baird, and English Chess Federation President, Normanby resident Gerry Walsh, delivered 10 chess sets to St Peter’s RC College of Maths and Computing in South Bank.

The handover is among the first in a Government-backed national programme, co-ordinated by the English Chess Federation, to get more children playing chess.

In December, Ms Baird invited top young chess players from around the country to play MP Charles Clarke.

Vera Baird said: “I won’t pretend I’m a chess player myself but I know many children love it.

It’s proven to improve concentration and mental ability and it’s so impressive that the ECF have shown such dedication in organising this scheme. Every child should have the opportunity to play chess.”

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