OLYMPIC gold medallist Sam Quek and world Scrabble champion Brett Smitheram promote the educational benefits of 'mindsports' including the popular boardgame and chess during a visit to a Wirral school.

They told pupils at Barnston Primary how mindsports can improve and teach pupils teamwork, time management and confidence, whilst strengthening their Maths, English and Spelling skills.

Wirral-born Olympic hockey star Sam, is brand ambassador for Mindsports Academy - which allows users to play live Scrabble, Chess and Go against the computer or against its global community - and supporting a campaign to make mindsports recognised as official sports.

Sam said: "Cognitive activities have definitely helped me prepare as an athlete and perform to the best of my ability.

"I don't think I would be an Olympic gold medal winner if I didn’t have a sharp, focused mind.

"Training my brain and working on the mental side of my game is a hugely important element of my preparation.

"You can't neglect your mind, your brain and your ability to focus and expect to be a champion".

Headteacher Jill Pearson said: "The morning went exceptionally well and we were delighted to welcome Sam and Brett to school. They came in and talked about their experiences, and also answered questions from the children about mind sports and how it can help improve their maths, English and spelling skills.

"The children thought they were both fantastic and are still buzzing from the experience.”

She added: “Some of our children already play chess and scrabble, so it was a great inspiration to have them with us in school.”

World Scrabble champion Brett Smitheram said: "Scrabble is such a fantastic game, and mind sport by engaging children in a fun way as they learn.

"I'm keen to support everything we can do to bring it into schools".