Two weeks ago, Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya embarked on a historic journey in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. His mission? To break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon while simultaneously raising significant funds for his non-profit organization, Chess in Slums Africa (CIS).
Now, Tunde’s story isn’t just about this record-breaking feat. This remarkable young man’s journey is straight out of a movie. He grew up in the tough streets of Isale Odo, a Lagos slum. Chess wasn’t exactly on the menu, but fate (and maybe a bored barber with a chessboard) intervened. Tunde learned the game, and it became his ticket out, earning him scholarships and propelling him to national and international chess competitions.
Victories at the Polytechnic Games, RCCG Chess Championship, National Friends of Chess, and the Chevron Chess Open cemented his reputation as a formidable chess player. Chess became his superpower.
But Tunde didn’t stop there. He saw the potential chess had to change lives, just like it changed his, and he envisioned using chess as a tool for social empowerment. That’s why in 2018, he founded CIS with the goal of providing free chess training, educational resources, and scholarships to underprivileged children in Lagos whose struggles he could personally relate to.
The organization has had a huge impact, training over 1,000 children across five slum communities and delivering more than 3,600 hours of chess instruction, giving these children a chance to develop their minds and maybe even become future chess grandmasters themselves. CIS also has some really ambitious plans to expand its reach, aiming to train 1 million children in Africa within the next five years.
And guess what? Tunde’s students are already crushing it. One kid even beat the acting Canadian High Commissioner in an exhibition game! Imagine that – a kid from the slums schooling a diplomat. That’s the power of chess, people.
Onakoya’s world record breaking attempt wasn’t just about the clock ticking or bragging rights. It was about showing the world the kind of impact chess can have. It’s about giving kids a shot, a chance to dream big, and maybe even checkmate poverty with a well-placed knight. Most importantly, it was a strategic move to raise awareness and secure funding – to the tune of $1 million – for CIS’s ongoing initiatives.
News of Onakoya’s bold plan deeply moved and inspired Nigerians home and abroad. Prominent figures such as music superstar Davido and former Nigerian vice presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar all offered their support. The chess games themselves were streamed live on platforms like Tittyfy and Twitch, captivating a global audience, with more than 500 viewers concurrently following Onakoya’s journey.
The grueling marathon presented serious challenges: the constant mental and physical strain, coupled with the bustling environment of Times Square, threatened to mess with Onakoya’s concentration and overall health. However, his commitment to his students kept him going. He impressively played over 200 games without a single loss, showcasing his mastery of the game and strategic prowess.
Finally, after a historic 60 hours and 23 minutes, Onakoya, visibly fatigued yet undeniably triumphant, had not only shattered the existing record of 56 hours but also surpassed his ambitious personal goal. His achievement secured him the Guinness World Record and, more importantly, exceeded the $1 million fundraising target. This money will be instrumental in empowering countless young minds through chess education and training.
Onakoya’s story is an example of the powerful and transformative power of education, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome challenges. It demonstrates the potential of chess to empower disadvantaged youth and equip them with skills for academic success and personal growth. This ain’t your grandpa’s stuffy game – it’s a tool for development, success, and maybe even a world record or two.
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