THE Penang government encourages more people, especially the young, to learn the game of chess.
Caretaker Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the state government donated 40 Chinese chess tables to various applicants since 2020 to promote the sports activity.
“The applicants include 17 primary schools, 10 management bodies, nine welfare organisations and four non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“Apart from this, the Penang government, through the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) organised four ‘Sports Clinics for All: Chess’ from 2019 to 2023.
“The clinics aimed at exposing children aged five to 12, giving them the opportunities to learn and understand the techniques of playing chess,” Soon said in a statement yesterday (July 11).
He said that he was proud and happy that various chess programmes organised by schools and NGOs also demonstrated the collective commitment of various parties in developing this sport in Penang.
“These efforts are significant in improving performance and nurturing new chess talents in the state,” he added.
Besides chess, Soon said the Penang government also strives to support sports associations, schools, and sports programmes each year.
