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<p>The Government recognises the well-established social and cognitive benefits of
playing chess, and is pleased to see its increased popularity. While the Department
for Culture, Media and Sport does not provide any direct support to the English Chess
Federation specifically, we are supportive of all programmes which could extend these
benefits to more people, including the work of the English Chess Federation and other
chess charities which have successfully promoted the game of chess across the country.</p><p><br>The
charity Chess in Schools & Communities, for example, provides chess equipment,
software and lessons to state primary schools in England and Wales. Its aim is to
promote the educational and social benefits of playing chess and to organise chess
events which encourage mass participation. As well as partnering with over 900 schools
across the UK, it has also worked successfully with local authorities to empower whole
communities through chess, and has established a growing network of chess clubs in
libraries.</p>
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