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Former world chess champion, Gary Kasparov, says chess is not just a great game but also an important education tool.
Kasparov is in Nelson Mandela Bay, attending the 19th Commonwealth Chess Championships and SA Open taking place at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre.
Speaking on Algoa FM on Saturday morning, Kasparov said he's spent the the past few years promoting the idea of bringing chess into the classroom.
"When I play chess it was not just for me about winning. It was very, very important but the top priority was to make a difference. I knew that I could make the difference and I wanted to make the greatest contribution to the game of chess," he said.
"Now, what I believe is the greatest difference for the future is to make people aware about the tremendous values of the game of chess for kids."
Kasparov says promoting chess in schools is just one step in the process, adding that its also important to support those taking part in tournaments, like the Commonwealth Chess Championships.
This year's event has drawn the highest number of countries participating at 29 and also the highest number of players at more than 900 players.
The youngest is five and the oldest 79.
Kasparov was also complimentary about the PE event.
"The only way for kids to improve and to find the good professional players is to see them in action. And this is a huge event, I think it is immensely successful and I understand it is the first of many," said Kasparov.
"There is dedication of the organisors to continue with the game plan and (as) someone who has been working in South Africa and the African continent I thought it was my responsibility to be here and I enjoyed it immensely," he added.
