PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
SUPPORT FOR UK CHESS (26 July 1998)

That this House recognises that chess is a sport at which the United Kingdom really excels; notes that the United Kingdom is the second strongest chess nation in the world after Russia and currently European champions, and that there is a possibility of a British world champion with both Michael Adams and Nigel Short amongst the top dozen players in the world; notes it is played by four million people in this country with no cultural or physical boundaries, being played by children and adults of all ages; further notes that the Government spends ú49,000 compared to Greece which spends ú337,000 per year; further notes the World Chess Federation is the second largest sporting association in the world, second only to FIFA, with the vast majority of countries recognising chess as a sport; notes also the extensive and numerous academic research that has shown the high educational and social impact of chess when available at school; further notes that chess teaches children co-ordination, concentration, social and interactive skills, to plan ahead and most importantly, to take responsibility for their decision; notes the Marguiles Report conducted in the United States of America which showed improved learning in children who were taught chess compared with those who were not, and that in consequence numerous states have put chess on the curriculum; further notes the Minister of Sport's previous statements about his support for the game of chess; and calls upon the Minister to encourage the Sports Council to recognise chess.

Sponsored by:
Charlotte Atkins (Labour)