Nigerian chess master takes on Guinness Record marathon in New York to aid street children
Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums, Tunde Onakoya, recently honoured as one of the most influential global figures under 40, is embarking on an extraordinary challenge in the heart of New York City.
Onakoya, known for his remarkable skills on the chessboard, is set to attempt a 58-hour chess marathon to raise funds for street children across Africa.
His goal is to raise $1 million to expand access to education for millions of disadvantaged children throughout the continent. Onakoya aims to achieve this by engaging in a gruelling chess marathon, facing off against multiple opponents over 58 consecutive hours, all within the iconic New York Times Square.
The Chess in Slums convener aims to surpass the current record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set by Norway's Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingtad in 2018.
Taking to Instagram, Onakoya expressed the daunting nature of the challenge, stating, "This is by far one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but one thing I know for sure is I will not be alone through it all. Need everyone’s support now more than ever to raise awareness and support for the incredible work we do at chess in slums and the gift of chess."
This competition follows Onakoya's remarkable performance earlier this year when he engaged in a simultaneous chess match against 10 players in Germany.
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