John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to inform the House of my recent visit to a school holiday chess competition in my constituency of Bennelong. At this event, students from local schools had the opportunity to play against a New South Wales chess champion and had a great deal of fun along the way. In playing chess, students are able to improve their concentration, decision-making and problem-solving skills. These skills are relevant to many aspects of life and, I'm sure, will hold the students in good stead.

However, the specifics accrue not just to students but to adults as well. I urge members of the House to check in with their colleagues and see if any of them would be willing to be challenged by this great game. The benefits of chess are already well known to the members of Bennelong's Armenian community. In Armenia, chess has a strong culture. Chess is taught in schools and is a vital part of their social life. I am thankful that they have encouraged this in our community in Bennelong. I look forward to learning more about chess, experiencing more chess in the future and promoting it amongst our school students.