Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya, backed by the New York-based non-profit organization Gift of Chess, persevered through considerable physical discomfort in his ongoing quest to set a new record for the longest chess marathon at New York City’s Times Square.
Despite experiencing severe vomiting and stomach pain on Thursday, Tunde Onakoya remained steadfast in his determination not to give up.
In a statement shared by Gift of Chess, Onakoya’s determination was evident: “That’s Tunde_OD curled over in pain. Yesterday, we did not think we could continue, as he was experiencing intense vomiting and stomach pain. When given the choice to quit, he said, ‘I will play on for the dreams of millions of children.’ Tunde has never quit on the kids. Let’s not quit on him. Everyone who has liked a photo, we ask you now to donate.”
Scheduled to conclude on Friday, April 19, 2024, Onakoya’s marathon aims to achieve an uninterrupted playtime of 58 hours, pitting him against opponent Shawn Martinez. The primary objective of this remarkable endeavor is to raise $1,000,000 in support of children across Africa.
This remarkable challenge has garnered strong support, including from Nigerian music sensation Davido, who joins a growing list of celebrities rallying behind Onakoya’s commendable feat.
“Mr Onakoya is a symbol of excellence and resilience that distinguish Nigerians both at home and abroad… Go, make history, and inscribe our name in gold,” Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima posted on X.
