Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess master, is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess playing marathon in New York City’s Times Square from April 17-19. But his true goal is much bigger.
Onakoya is using this ambitious record attempt to raise $1 million for his nonprofit organization Chess in Slums Africa. The group teaches chess to underprivileged children living in the slums of Nigeria as a way to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and other vital life skills.
The $1 million fundraising target would allow Chess in Slums Africa to build a free chess academy and STEM innovation lab in Lagos that street children can access. Onakoya himself knows the transformative power of chess, having grown up in the slums of Ikorodu before becoming a renowned player.
Onakoya is calling on 1,000 donors to contribute and help him reach the $1 million goal through this 58-hour chess marathon, which would break the existing record by at least 2 hours. The current record stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds.
“This isn’t just about breaking records,” said a representative. “It’s about shining a global spotlight on Tunde’s impactful work and expanding access to chess education worldwide.”
Despite his humble roots, supporters believe the “symbol of hope” can achieve this ambitious fundraising target through perseverance, just as he has defied odds throughout his inspirational journey.
To donate to Tunde Onakoya chess marathon cause and support educational opportunities for underprivileged youth, visit this link or Tiltify.com. Spread the word. Reshare, repost, and retweet as many posts about this attempt as possible. Also, show up at Times Square if you’re in NYC or nearby.
The current record holders for the longest chess marathon are Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad from Norway, who played for 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.Â
