Aberdeen's innovative Chess in Schools project is to be further extended thanks to generous sponsorship by natural gas company BG Group.

The sponsorship agreement was formalised at a ceremony in the Town House today (Thursday October 19), when Lord Provost John Reynolds, a staunch supporter of Chess in Schools, accepted a donation of £8,500 from BG Group.

Pictured left, Doug Graham (BG Group) teams up with Thomas Murray to take on Lord Provost John Reynolds and Maryann McDonald (pictured right).

In the centre, The Lord Provost accepts the cheque from Mr Graham, on behalf of Aberdeen Chess Academy, with Thomas, Maryann, and Ian McDonald looking on.

The trophy on display is the new BG Scottish Junior Chess Novice Championship Cup.

The Aberdeen Chess Project began as a small pilot five years ago, using the game of chess to help improve participants' social and academic skills.

It has since grown to such an extent that Aberdeen now boasts the most comprehensive schools chess package in the UK.

Aberdeen Chess Academy was launched in 2004 and the project currently covers schools in the Torry, Northfield and St Machar areas of the City.

Around 400 pupils learn and practice at school and evening clubs, putting their skills to the test by competing in monthly tournaments.

Research funded by the Scottish Executive found evidence that the project had produced demonstrable results in relation to improved behaviour at school, improved learning, enhanced parental involvement and active citizenship, concluding that chess was “an important tool in improving attainment".

As principal sponsor, the BG Group's financial support will target three areas:

·         The formation of an Aberdeen Schools Chess League that will involve 75 primary and secondary chess players in its first year, rising to 300 in five years' time.

·         Support for Scottish Junior Chess to form a national schools chess network led by Aberdeen Chess Academy and particularly focusing on chess development in areas addressed by the Scottish Parliaments ‘National Priorities’ and ‘Curriculum for Excellence’ policies.

·          A contribution towards staging the first ever international Chess in Schools conference in Aberdeen, being planned for next summer.

Planning is well underway for this Chess in Schools and Communities Conference (CISCCON), which will be held at the University of Aberdeen from August 30 to September 1. www.scottishjuniorchess.co.uk/cisccon/cisccon.html

It is being organised by Aberdeen City Council with the University of Aberdeen (School of Education) and Scottish Junior Chess.

Organisers are currently seeking papers on all past or current chess-related research, policy, and practice, culminating in conference lectures featuring invited speakers.

National chess federations and UK local authorities will be invited to send delegates and chess clubs in Aberdeen's twin cities are among those who will be invited to attend the conference.

David Leslie, Aberdeen City Council's Chess Development Officer, said the BG Group's sponsorship would allow the existing good work to be developed further. 

"We are extremely grateful to the BG Group for this sponsorship. We have already made significant progress in engaging many young people in chess, which research has shown has been hugely beneficial to their learning abilities and education experiences.

Lord Provost John Reynolds added: "We are proud to be leading the way in the UK and are working towards the major conference in Aberdeen in 2007, which will give us the chance to highlight the work we are doing on an international platform."