GWR: Osinbajo Cheers Tunde Onakoya as he Begins 58-hour Chess Marathon Today

Segun Atanda/

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed support for Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, as begins his quest to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.

The event begins from 10am on April 17 (today) to 8pm on April 19 in Times Square, New York City.

Osinbajo wrote on his X handle today, “Dear Tunde

“Best of luck in Times Square as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon! Your resilience and spirit inspire us all. Remember your own powerful words: ‘It is possible to do great things from a small place.’

“Let the dynamic energy of Times Square amplify the greatness that you, a proud Nigerian, bring to the chessboard. We’re all behind you—show the world the strength and determination you are made of!

“God Bless You @Tunde_OD.”

Onakoya had disclosed in a post on his X handle last Friday, that he will attempt to play chess for 58 hours without losing a game to support “the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education”.

He wrote, “On the 17th of April 2024, I will attempt to break the Guiness World record for the longest chess marathon in the heart of Times Square, New York City, for 58 hours without losing a game.

“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education.”

Chess in Slums Africa is an organisation that aims at providing mentorship and unlocking the potential of underprivileged children using chess educational resources.

According to the Guinness World Records, the longest chess marathon for 56 hours, 09 minutes, 37 seconds was achieved by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad from Norway on November 11, 2018.

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