Chess in Slums Children Win A number of Awards at Chess Match within the U.S

Photograph Credit score: Tunde Onakoya/Instagram

The champions of Chess in Slums, the non-governmental organisation based by chess grasp Tunde Onakoya to assist kids from underprivileged backgrounds uncover and develop a love for chess, have simply achieved outstanding success on the twelfth Annual Chess & Neighborhood Convention held yesterday in the USA.

One of many younger gamers, Ferdinand, received the Younger Genius Award for his excellent efficiency, introduced by American actor and ‘The Strolling Useless’ star Khary Payton. Jamiu emerged as the most effective participant of the chess event, incomes a gold medal and a $500 scholarship for his inspiring essay and speech on international citizenship. In the meantime, Ivie received a silver medal and $100 within the center faculty championship. Much more spectacular, the complete crew completed the event with out dropping a single sport.

The twelfth Annual Chess & Neighborhood Convention carried the theme “Future Ahead: Recreation Changers,” merging strategic pondering with know-how to empower younger leaders. The occasion featured chess tournaments with prizes of as much as $1,000, VR improvements, robotics competitions, and the Children vs Police Chess Problem, demonstrating how chess generally is a catalyst for change.

These younger champions are presently in the USA for the Chess and Neighborhood Ubuntu Cultural Alternate, the place they’ll compete in Athens, Georgia, New York Metropolis, and Harvard College.

Tunde Onakoya, earlier than the youngsters’ departure, shared an emotional reflection on their journeys:

Typing these phrases fill my eyes with tears yet again as a result of I do know their tales.

Ferdinand- In a different way abled little one, residing with cerebral palsy, was bullied by different kids in his neighborhood , born to poor fisherman within the Largest floating slum on the planet. However when he performs chess, the world standstill.

Mary- her household was virtually killed by Boko Haram terrorists. Forgotten in an IDP camp in Northern Nigeria the place goals go to die. However hers didn’t.

Mabel-radiant and stuffed with promise. Met her 7 years in the past within the slums of Ikorodu with a sparkle in her eyes however no alternative to go to high school. Right now a fierce chess queen with goals to be a health care provider.

Jamiu—Deserted by father as a toddler, watched his mum die in my arms, Homeless. But undefeated and already the most effective chess gamers within the nation for his age class.

They’ve braved all odds to be right here in the present day to symbolize kids like them who’ve been instructed they have been invincible.

See photographs from the event beneath