Tunde Onakoya-led non-governmental organisation, Chess in Slums Africa, in furtherance of its goal of supporting marginalised kids through chess, sponsored a number of African kids to the U.S to participate in the 12th Annual Chess & Community Conference. These kids performed exceptionally well as they impressed and dominated the U.S tournament by achieving a flawless victory.
Ferdinand, one of the young and gifted players won the Young Genius Award for his outstanding performance, presented by American actor and ‘The Walking Dead’ star Khary Payton.Â
Another emerging talent, Jamiu won the award for best player of the tournament, earning a gold medal and a $500 scholarship for his inspiring essay and speech on global citizenship. Also, Ivie, one of the slum talent, won a silver medal and $100 in the middle school championship.
Premised on the notion of ‘Future Forward: Game Changers,’ the 12th Annual Chess & Community Conference promotes the fusion of strategic thinking with the aid of technological tools to empower young leaders from across the world. The annual event features chess tournaments with prizes of up to $1,000, VR innovations, robotics competitions, and the Kids vs Police Chess Challenge, demonstrating how chess can be a catalyst for change.
These young African champions are currently in the United States for the Chess and Community Ubuntu Cultural Exchange, where they will compete in Athens, Georgia, New York City, and Harvard University.
Tunde Onakoya, before the kids’ departure, shared an emotional reflection on their journeys:
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.
See highlights of the award and prize money presentation below!