Very proud of this award. Amazing what's been achieved through consistent hard work over the last 20 years - Yorkshire now has a great junior chess reputation with loads of opportunity for kids to compete. Many others worked hard as well so happy to accept on behalf of all.
@JoJetson04@RachelReevesMP Swimming is important and this should be addressed. Kids need a balance of activities as well as swimming being a fundamental life skill. I hope it gets sorted soon.
@JoJetson04@RachelReevesMP I am not saying that at all. It is not one thing or another. Of course they should learn to swim, but talented youngsters in chess should be given (some) funding in the same way elite swimmers are. Not all kids will be elite swimmers and not all kids are good at chess.
@TushSapa@Shep73David@RachelReevesMP Come to our chess club and try your luck against the 70 kids here - our waiting list is over 90. Don't tell me chess shouldn't be funded because it's a second rate activity - you are clueless.
@Shep73David@RachelReevesMP No - the opposite. UK is almost the only country that hasn't invested in chess which is the world's most popular game. Kids who are good at it deserve the chance to compete as much as any athlete.
@JoJetson04@RachelReevesMP What drivel. Chess has been underfunded for years compared with other countries and is as valid an activity as any other. Of course swimming should be funded as well - but it's not one or the other.
Having played chess at a young age, I know the transformational impact it can have on young people.
That's why today we're allocating £1.5m to help identify, support, and elevate top-tier players who have the potential to compete at a global level.
Massive good luck to the youngsters representing Yorkshire this weekend in the Chessmates international competition this weekend in York. Huge competition from international players from all over.