In the center of New York’s Times Sq., Nigerian chess grasp and social impact chief Tunde Onakoya has launched a daring and inspiring mission, an strive to place a brand unique Guinness World Narrative for the longest chess marathon.
Surrounded by a active crowd of supporters and passersby, Onakoya took his first strikes on Thursday as he embarked on a grueling 70-hour, non-finish chess trip. Nonetheless here’s no ordinary sport.
It’s a take a look at of endurance, focus, and cause with stunning 5-minute breaks allowed every hour under Guinness World Narrative tips.
For Onakoya, this acquire 22 situation is a lot larger than a pursuit of world recognition. On the core of this marathon lies a sturdy put off: to lift consciousness and toughen free of fee training for Nigeria’s most vulnerable kids.
By technique of his initiative, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya has spent years transforming the lives of young kids from underserved communities proving that opportunity, mentorship, and belief can atomize your whole distinction.
“This isn’t stunning about chess,” he shared before the match. “It’s about showing the sphere what’s possible, and giving every child an opportunity to dream.”
This isn’t Onakoya’s first time pushing the boundaries. In April 2024, he and American chess grasp Shawn Martinez clocked in a 60-hour marathon surpassing the then-existing epic. Nonetheless the Guinness World Records didn’t formally validate that strive. Instead, a Norwegian duo in the end took the epic with a time of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds.
Now, with the bar raised even better, Onakoya and Martinez are encourage, this time going for a historical past-making 70 hours.
Onakoya is joined by 5 kids from the Chess in Slums Africa program, young talents who maintain risen from complicated backgrounds to find hope and ambition by the sport. “They’ve reminded us that greatness can reach from wherever,” he mentioned.
As it unfolds, the acquire 22 situation continues but the message is already loud and certain: here’s about imaginative and prescient, courage, and creating location for children to thrive.
Whether or no longer the epic falls, Tunde Onakoya has already confirmed himself a grandmaster of impact.
