“With A Heart So Full It Aches, Our Kids Depart Lagos Nigeria Today For America,”- Tunde Onakoya Shares Background Of Kids Traveling To America To Play Chess

Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian chess player and coach, who holds the Guinness World Records for the longest marathon chess game.

As the founder and covener of Chess in Slums Africa, he has organised a number of interventions for children across slums in Lagos state including Majidun (Ikorodu), Makoko and recently, Oshodi.

And today he shared photos of children from the slum set to depart Lagos Nigeria for America where they’ll compete in Athens Georgia, New York City and Harvard University playing Chess.. Tunde Onakoya became emotional as he typed, says he has tears in his eyes, he took time to share the background of each child embarking in this journey, no doubt he made their parents proud.

Sharing their photo on x, he wrote

“With a heart so full it aches, our kids depart Lagos Nigeria today for America, where they’ll compete in Athens Georgia, New York City and Harvard University.

Typing these words fill my eyes with tears all over again because I know their stories.

Ferdinand- Differently abled child, living with cerebral palsy, used to be bullied by other children in his community , born to poor fisherman in the Largest floating slum in the world. But when he plays chess, the world standstill.

Mary- her family was almost killed by Boko Haram terrorists. Forgotten in an IDP camp in Northern Nigeria where dreams go to die. But hers didn’t.

Mabel-radiant and full of promise. Met her 7 years ago in the slums of Ikorodu with a sparkle in her eyes but no opportunity to go to school. Today a fierce chess queen with dreams to be a doctor.

Jamiu—Abandoned by father as a child, watched his mum die in my hands, Homeless. Yet undefeated and already one of the best chess players in the country for his age category.

They have braved all odds to be here today to represent children like them who have been told they were invincible.

To the kids: play with heart, walk with pride. Know that the dreams of many others fly with you today, not as a burden but as light.

You are becoming the kind of story the world cannot ignore.

We still need all the help and support we can get, so if you’re in Georgia, NYC or Boston, come support the kids as they show the world what they’re truly made of. I have also put up a Go fund me link in Bio for those who asked to donate.

Dates:
Athens Georgia (March 29th)
New York City (April 2nd)
Harvard University. (April 4th)

Please reach out to me or @chessinslums for full info and location.

Fly safe my champions. Uncle Tunde will see you soon❤️

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Source:Tunde Onakoya| X

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com