The FCT Sports department and Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) have organized summer training in chess for children in primary and secondary schools in Abuja,
Deputy Inspector General of Police (rtd), Sani Mohammed, who is the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of NCF, explained the benefits of playing cheese to the students.
He said “Playing chess depends on your level of absorption. It could take a month to learn, while for some it takes years. For you to be engaged in chess you must possess the attributes that help in brain development.
“These attributes include patience, perseverance, observation, changes in intelligence quotient (I.Q), higher-order thinking and analytical mind. In chess you don’t move with instinct you calculate before you move.
“There are some health benefits to be derived from playing chess. It grows dendrites, exercises both sides of the brain, decreases risk of Alzheimer’s disease, helps treat schizophrenia, improves children’s thinking and problem-solving skills, builds self-confidence, helps with rehabilitation and therapy.”
The Head, Media and Communications, FCT Sports Department, Vivian Onubogu, on behalf of the acting Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, thanked the federation for the summer training.