Nigerian chess champion and advocate for child education, Tunde Onakoya, has embarked on a remarkable endeavor in the heart of New York City’s Times Square.
At 29 years old, Onakoya aims to set a new global record for the longest chess marathon by playing nonstop for an astounding 58 hours.
Partnering with American chess champion Shawn Martinez, Onakoya’s marathon is not just about breaking records but also about making a difference.
With a lofty goal of raising $1 million for children’s education initiatives across Africa, the marathon serves as a beacon of hope for underprivileged youth on the continent.
As of Friday at 10:00 a.m. GMT, Onakoya had already spent an impressive 42 hours engaged in intense gameplay. Amidst a backdrop of lively African music, both online and on-site support has been pouring in, with spectators cheering on the determined players.
The current record stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, achieved in 2018 by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.
However, Onakoya remains undeterred, fueled by a deep commitment to realizing the dreams of millions of African children who lack access to education.
The founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya’s organization seeks to provide educational opportunities for at least 1 million children living in slums across the continent. His efforts have garnered support from unexpected quarters, including former Manchester United and France defender Patrice Evra, a close friend of Onakoya.
Former Manchester United and France defender Patrice Evra is rooting for Tunde Onakoya because as you may have suspected, they’re friends.
Reflecting on their friendship, Evra’s endorsement underscores the personal connection to Onakoya’s cause. With unwavering determination and the support of his friends and followers, Onakoya presses on, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
There was a time when Evra visited Nigeria courtesy of Tunde’s ‘Chess in Slums’ initiative and also Ichie David Iyenyorochi Obi was there too.
Patrice Evra took to his Instagram page to create a supportive post for his dear friend.
At the time of writing, Onakoya has surpassed the 47-hour mark, with 12 hours left on the clock. As the chess pieces continue to move, the world watches in anticipation, wishing the champion luck in his historic endeavo
