Despite new record, donations for Onakoya’s fundraiser miss target

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Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya has broken the world record for the longest chess marathon, playing nonstop for 60 hours in Times Square, New York.

The previous world record was 56 hours, nine minutes, and 37 seconds by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.

READ ALSO:Tunde Onakoya sets new world record for chess marathon

Onakoya began the historic challenge with two goals: to break the record and raise $1 million for his “Chess in Slums Africa” initiative, that provides educational opportunities for children in underserved communities.

While his endurance won the day, the donations to raise $ 1 million for underprivileged children through the Chess In Slums Africa missed the target.

“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education,” Onakoya said in an Instagram post.

“This is by far one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but one thing I know for sure I will not be alone through it all. Need everyone’s support now more than ever to raise awareness and support for the incredible work we do @chessinslums and @thegiftofchess.”

At the end of the record-setting adventure, the donations received was only $161,065,  missing the $ 1 million target.

The GoFundMe account set up to achieve the target said the funds would be used to empower children to reach their potential – with the game of chess as a framework – to teach academic skills, critical thinking and a lifelong appreciation.

“We use a 3-fold strategy to help kids stay in school and reach their potential: mentorship, Love and structure,” a statement on the GoFundMe account said.

READ ALSO: US Embassy, Osinbajo cheer Tunde Onakoya’s attempt to set chess world record

Onakoya, 29, credits chess for saving him from overwhelming poverty while growing up in a floating slum in Lagos.

His non-profit, Chess in Slums Africa, teaches Chess to children from poor communities and helps fund their education.

READ ALSO: Tunde Onakoya: Raising Kings and Queens Through Chess in Slum

Onakoya is a board member of the US non-profit The Gift of Chess, which works to transform lives through chess.

The non-profit targets distributing one million chess sets to underserved African communities by 2030.