Chess legend Kasparov lobbies in Antwerp
Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov visited Antwerp this week to lobby for the introduction of the sport in primary education.
Chess in education under discussion
Kasparov, who is also a political activist, explained that scientific studies show how chess enhances the intellectual development of children. “They for example learn to recognise structures and patterns, which is an essential addition to, among other things, memorising skills,” he said. Mayor Bart De Wever, who was a chess player in his youth, made no promises but agreed on the beneficial aspects of chess – which is however no longer acknowledged as an official sport in Belgium. “Chess teaches youngsters logical and mathematical insights, and it’s accessible to all socio-economic classes since you don’t need much equipment,” declared De Wever.
