Chess is a popular game in Malta and with the on-going support of Maltco Lotteries, Malta's national lottery brand, the game is flourishing amongst a local population renowned for their intellectual ability.

Chess is truly a 'sport for all', it's a game with no barriers, open to all regardless of age, sex, physical ability and social class and therefore aligned to Maltco's core values.

The Malta Chess Federation regularly organises tournaments which attract significant interest and widespread participation at all levels of the sport. Maltco believes in Maltese chess so much that it has put its name behind all the Chess Federations' significant tournaments, which are thriving.

"Chess has been shown to be one of the most influential ways to improve problem-solving skills and concentration," says Maltco Lotteries CEO Vasileios Kasiotakis, "The game is very important in developing skills for study and work. One of the main things that appeals to Maltco in maintaining our support for the sport is the fact that chess is a game that can be played and enjoyed by all on a level playing field."

Maltco is a champion of sport in Malta and takes raising awareness and providing support towards local sport in its various disciplines as part of its essential mission in the community. Chess is one of the most powerful educational tools available to develop and strengthen thinking and cognitive processes. Schools are increasingly embracing chess as a sport that complements education.