The “G.A.M.E.” project harnesses the power of mental sports — such as chess, go, and draughts — to foster the cognitive, emotional, and social development of young people aged 11–19. Through engaging activities, the project develops essential soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, planning, foresight, and resilience, while also promoting social inclusion and intergenerational dialogue.

G.A.M.E. aims to create inclusive, sustainable practices in education and sport by making mental sports accessible and appealing to youth in small and semi-urban communities. Beyond individual benefits, it also builds stronger connections between young people, their families, educators, and the broader community.

The project unfolds through research, training, and community activities:

• Conducting research to assess awareness, good practices, and needs regarding mental sports in the participating countries.
• Training physical education teachers and coaches to incorporate chess, go, and draughts into their work with youth.
• Organising local and online events, including workshops, tournaments, and cultural exchanges, to engage young people and promote the benefits of mental sports.
• Creating a supportive environment for young people to develop both tangible (strategic thinking, memory) and intangible (patience, self-confidence, teamwork) skills.

By integrating a strong intergenerational and cross-sectoral dimension, G.A.M.E. involves parents, educators, local stakeholders, and community organisations. Educational materials, best practices, and donated equipment ensure the sustainability of the project’s impact beyond its duration.

The project is implemented by a partnership of organisations from Romania, Italy, Spain, and Greece, combining expertise in sport, education, youth development, and social inclusion. Together, they demonstrate how mental sports can build confidence, foster social connections, and help young people thrive — both on and off the board.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.