Chess in Slums Kids Win Multiple Awards at Chess Tournament in U.S

In a remarkable display of intellectual prowess and determination, Nigeria’s Chess in Slums kids have emerged victorious at the 12th Annual Chess & Community Conference held in the United States. The team, comprising young players from underprivileged backgrounds, dominated the tournament without losing a single game.

The Chess in Slums initiative, founded by chess master Tunde Onakoya, aims to provide children from disadvantaged backgrounds with the opportunity to discover and develop a love for chess. The program has been instrumental in helping these young players overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

One of the standout performers was Ferdinand, who won the Young Genius Award for his outstanding performance. The award was presented by American actor and ‘The Walking Dead’ star Khary Payton. Jamiu emerged as the best player of the chess tournament, earning a gold medal and a $500 scholarship for his inspiring essay and speech on global citizenship.

Ivie won a silver medal and $100 in the middle school championship, while the entire team demonstrated their exceptional skills by finishing the tournament without losing a game.

The 12th Annual Chess & Community Conference, themed “Future Forward: Game Changers,” brought together young leaders and chess enthusiasts to merge strategic thinking with technology. The event featured chess tournaments, VR innovations, robotics competitions, and the Kids vs Police Chess Challenge.

Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums, shared an emotional reflection on the team’s journey, highlighting the challenges they faced and the triumphs they achieved. The team is 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.

The achievements of these young champions serve as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the impact of initiatives like Chess in Slums. As they continue to make waves in the chess world, they inspire countless others to pursue their passions and strive for excellence.