Chess idea wins praise nationally (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Chess idea wins praise nationally

6:28pm Monday 17th September 2007 in

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A project aiming to teach underprivileged children chess has become a national phenomenon since it was established six months ago.

As reported in the Telegraph & Argus last month, the Renaissance Academy visits homeless shelters and community groups in some of the most deprived areas of the city to teach young people chess.

The project is the brainchild of Charles Wood, 36, of Bolton Woods and has been recognised by the English Chess Federation.

The academy now has premises in Manningham, Bradford, and has entered three teams into the Bradford Chess League.

The opening of the club at the Latvian Club in Clifton Villas was attended by Mark Lawn, co-chairman of Bradford City Football Club.

Mr Wood said he was astounded and delighted at the response he has received to the project so far.

He said: "We have had a brilliant reaction to the scheme.

"We are launching three teams, each with six players plus reserves, into the league and now we have our new premises its really taking on momentum. I approached The Office Furniture Company, and it has donated all the furniture for the new room.

"The room itself has been given to us free of charge by the Latvian Welfare Fund. None of this would have been possible without them. I felt it was really important to get local businesses and people involved in the project. The club was originally an idea of Antonio Fattorini, the Bradford jeweller, chess enthusiast and founder of Bradford City.

"He founded the club in Manningham and he was strongly linked with chess in the city and Bradford City which is why we invited Mark Lawn to attend the opening.

"There is an incredible groundswell and we are always looking for more people to become involved."

Mr Lawn said: "We welcome the launch of the chess club. They are neighbours of ours and we want to create further links with the community. It's great that someone has actually made the effort to get this club up and running and we give it our total support."

Abdul Sarat, owner of The Office Furniture Company, said he was delighted to support the project.

He said: "I thought it sounded like a great idea, working with young people.

"We arranged to donate about 40 chairs and desks and cupboards to the academy. I grew up in Manningham myself and know that there is not much for them to do there so it is nice to be in a position to help give something back."

Anyone who wants to become involved can visit the academy's website www.renaissanceacademy.org.uk.