Tue Apr 08 01:47:26 UTC 2025: ## Chess Helps Children Battling Cancer Find Focus and Confidence
**Mumbai, April 8, 2025** – St. Jude India ChildCare Centres (St. Judes) has partnered with ChessMates Academy to introduce a chess program for children undergoing cancer treatment in Mumbai and Chennai. The initiative, launched in February 2025, aims to improve memory, concentration, and confidence in young patients.
St. Judes provides free accommodation to underprivileged families from across India whose children are receiving cancer treatment in major cities. The chess program, part of St. Jude’s Third Circle initiative focused on emotional support, is offered twice a week at St. Judes centers in Cotton Green (Mumbai), Kharghar (Navi Mumbai), and Royapettah (Chennai). Over 70 children are currently participating.
“Chess helps children stay focused, think ahead, and build confidence,” explained Melwin Mascarenhas, co-founder of ChessMates Academy. Anil Nair, CEO of St. Judes, added that the program helps prevent cognitive decline and promotes emotional resilience during treatment. Children receive chessboards and are introduced to the game through a fun, engaging character called ‘ChessPa’.
The program has already had a positive impact. Testimonials from children like 12-year-old Jit Chakraborty and 13-year-old Priyam Pramanik highlight the newfound enjoyment and improved focus they’ve gained from learning chess. St. Judes plans to expand the program to its other 46 centers across India in the near future.
First Piper 