Senedd consultation closes Friday 28 August 2026
The Welsh Chess Union is asking players, parents, clubs, coaches, volunteers and supporters of chess throughout Wales to take part in an important Senedd consultation.
The Culture, Communications, Cymraeg and Sport Committee is currently deciding its priorities for the Seventh Senedd. We would like the Committee to examine the case for recognising chess as a sport in Wales, to scrutinise the barriers within the present sporting recognition framework, and to encourage Welsh Government and Sport Wales to develop an appropriate relationship with the Welsh Chess Union.
The more people who raise the issue with the Committee, the stronger the case for it to be considered as part of the Committee's future work.
Recognition could:
Formal recognition would not automatically guarantee funding or put chess on the school curriculum, but it could remove an important institutional barrier and give Welsh chess a much clearer place within national policy.
Please complete the Senedd Committee's online consultation before Friday 28 August.
https://senedd.wales/committees/culture-communications-cymraeg-and-sport-committee/consultation-priorities-for-the-seventh-senedd-culture-communications-cymraeg-and-sport-committee/
Alternatively, search online for “Consultation: Priorities for the Seventh Senedd: Culture, Communications, Cymraeg and Sport Committee”.
Complete the introductory questions and, when you reach the question:
“Do you have any specific suggestions for committee work within the areas of culture, communications, Cymraeg and sport?”
please ask the Committee to consider the position of chess in Wales.
Where possible, please put the case in your own words. Personal experience is particularly valuable. For example, you might explain how chess has benefited you, your children, your school, your club or your community.
You do not need to write a long response.
The following is intended as a guide. Please adapt it and use whichever points are most relevant to you.
I would like the Culture, Communications, Cymraeg and Sport Committee to examine the case for recognising chess as a sport in Wales and to consider the present relationship between Welsh chess, Sport Wales and Welsh Government.
Chess is a long-established competitive activity in Wales, with clubs, leagues, tournaments, junior development, national championships and Welsh representation in international competition. It is governed nationally by the Welsh Chess Union.
Chess is also exceptionally inclusive. Children and adults can participate together, people can continue playing throughout their lives, and many physical disabilities do not prevent meaningful participation. It is relatively inexpensive and can be played in schools, clubs, community centres, libraries, care settings and online.
Chess can contribute to a number of areas which are important to Wales, including education, concentration and decision-making, community participation, social connection, healthy ageing and wellbeing.
At present, the sporting recognition framework places particular emphasis on physical activity. This creates a significant barrier for chess, despite its organised competitive structure and international sporting recognition.
I would therefore like the Committee to:
I believe this would be a worthwhile subject for the Committee to consider during the Seventh Senedd.
This is an important opportunity to put chess on the Senedd's agenda.
If you support the case, please submit a response before 28 August and encourage other people with an interest in Welsh chess to do the same.
Thank you for your support.
Welsh Chess Union / Undeb Gwyddbwyll Cymru