The sport of chess is steadily growing in Vanuatu, thanks to development programs led by the Vanuatu Chess Federation and hosted at Wan Smolbag.

VBTC Sports visited the federation’s base at Wan Smolbag Haus, where children and youth were actively participating in chess classes—some learning for the first time, others already competing. Chess, known as a quiet but mentally demanding sport, requires deep concentration and strategic thinking.

President of the Vanuatu Chess Federation, Lesley Nompavos, said chess is not just a game, but a tool for brain development and life learning.

“Chess is a game between two players—one wins, one loses, or it ends in a draw, just like other sports. But what sets chess apart is how it pushes your mind to work. The more you play, the more your thinking sharpens. That’s why we say chess is also a life lesson,” Nompavos said.

Since launching last year, the federation has registered around 200 members through school-based programs. Now officially recognized by VASANOC, the federation continues to expand outreach and is calling on anyone interested to give the sport a try.

The President also emphasized the federation’s mission to include girls and people with disabilities, supported by a recent grant from the Australian Government.

“We received a grant aimed at improving access for girls, women, and people with disabilities. Often in our communities, these groups are left out of learning opportunities like chess. This grant allows us to bridge that gap and bring the game to everyone, not just top-performing students.”

The federation currently runs its main school at Wan Smolbag, targeting children aged roughly 10 and above. Two teams have already emerged—a girls’ team and a boys’ team—both showing promising talent since the federation’s early appearances last year.

With continued support and growing public interest, chess is becoming more than just a game in Vanuatu—it’s becoming a pathway for inclusion, discipline, and lifelong learning.