Labour MEP John Attard Montalto has joined forces with former chess world champion Garry Kasparov to push for chess to be taught in schools across the EU.
Dr Attard Montalto, together with the Kasparov Chess Foundation, the European Chess Union and a number of other MEPs, has put forward a written declaration in the European Parliament.
It calls on the European Commission and the EU Council to encourage the introduction of a Chess in School programme in the educational system of the 27 member states and to fund it forthwith.
This programme, designed by Mr Kasparov himself, promotes chess in schools throughout Europe by offering chess curriculums, material, and chess teachers to encourage and motivate children to discover and learn the game.
The declaration, supported by the majority of MEPs, also asks the Commission and the Council to “take into consideration the results of all the studies on the effects of this programme on children’s development”.
Speaking after a press conference with Mr Kasparov in Brussels, Dr Attard Montalto said chess was one of the main stimulants for child development. “My mother taught me chess when I was three and I am basing this initiative on my personal experience,” he said.
“Learning chess is all about strategy and counterstrategy. It enables the mind to develop a thinking process which encompasses not only what you are going to do but the probable response of your opponent.
“With experience you start to plan several moves in advance. This will result in thinking about the potential counter moves,” he added.
If accepted by the Commission, the development and implementation of the chess programme will be carried out as a joint project between the foundation and the chess union.
Mr Kasparov, regarded as the greatest chess player of all time, said it was always his ambition to realise the dream of bringing chess into classrooms so that everyone could enjoy the benefits of the game.
Mr Kasparov, a former Soviet citizen born in Azerbaijan, held the title of world chess champion between 1985 and 2000.