The Abuja Elite Chess Meetup, organized by Chess for Social Impact, a flagship initiative of the Mendlife Global Foundation, transcended the boundaries of a typical chess tournament. Held in commemoration of International Chess Day, the event served as a powerful platform to showcase the transformative potential of chess while simultaneously functioning as a fundraiser for a promising young Nigerian chess player, Tennyson Olisa. This convergence of competition and philanthropy underscored the event’s core message, “Every Move Counts,” emphasizing the strategic depth of chess and the significance of each step in a young athlete’s journey towards success. The event was strategically held at Cafe One, Sterling Bank Plaza, Abuja, drawing a diverse crowd of top chess players, enthusiastic fans, and generous philanthropists, all united by their shared passion for the game and their commitment to empowering young talent.
Oto-obong Mendie, the visionary founder of the initiative, articulated the profound impact of the event, highlighting its role as a catalyst for change through the medium of chess. She emphasized that the Abuja Elite Chess Meetup was more than just a competition; it was a testament to the power of chess to transform lives and communities. This year’s event was particularly significant as it focused on supporting Tennyson Olisa, a young Nigerian chess prodigy who has consistently brought pride to his nation through his exceptional talent and dedication. The fundraiser was designed to provide Tennyson with the necessary financial resources to compete in prestigious international tournaments, specifically the FIDE Grand Swiss in Uzbekistan and the World Cup in India. These opportunities represent critical milestones in Tennyson’s burgeoning career, and the support from the event would be instrumental in helping him reach his full potential.
Tennyson Olisa, a 22-year-old chess prodigy from Delta State, Nigeria, faced a significant financial hurdle in his quest to represent his country on the global stage. Having recently qualified for the esteemed FIDE Grand Swiss tournament, Tennyson required approximately N54 million to cover the expenses associated with his participation in both the Grand Swiss and the subsequent World Cup in India. This substantial financial burden threatened to impede his progress and prevent him from showcasing his exceptional talent on the international stage. The Abuja Elite Chess Meetup served as a crucial stepping stone in bridging this financial gap and enabling Tennyson to pursue his dreams. The event not only provided a fundraising platform but also raised awareness about the challenges faced by talented Nigerian athletes who often lack the necessary financial resources to compete at the highest levels.
The event shed light on the broader issue of talented Nigerian players struggling to access opportunities due to financial constraints. Tennyson’s situation served as a microcosm of the challenges faced by many promising athletes in Nigeria. Despite possessing exceptional skill and dedication, these individuals often lack the financial means to pursue their dreams and represent their country on the international stage. Oto-obong Mendie poignantly highlighted this issue, emphasizing that Tennyson possessed both the talent and the heart of a champion but desperately needed financial support to unlock his full potential. The Abuja Elite Chess Meetup served as a call to action, urging individuals and organizations to invest in the future of Nigerian sports and empower young athletes like Tennyson to achieve their aspirations.
Anthony Olisa, Tennyson’s older brother and manager, articulated the strategic objectives of the event, emphasizing the importance of increasing Tennyson’s visibility and attracting potential sponsors. The event provided a valuable platform to showcase Tennyson’s exceptional talent to a wider audience, including prominent figures in the chess community, potential sponsors, and the media. By highlighting Tennyson’s achievements and his potential to excel on the global stage, the event aimed to garner support for his international endeavors. Anthony Olisa expressed confidence that the event would significantly enhance Tennyson’s profile and attract the necessary sponsors to fund his participation in the FIDE Grand Swiss and the World Cup. He underscored Tennyson’s remarkable achievements, highlighting his status as one of Africa’s top chess players and his ability to represent Nigeria with distinction on the global stage.
The Nigeria Chess Federation, along with the National Sports Commission, expressed their unwavering support for Tennyson Olisa and their belief in his exceptional abilities. Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, emphasized the significance of Tennyson’s qualification for the FIDE Grand Swiss, recognizing it as a dream come true for any young chess player. He highlighted the importance of this international exposure, particularly as it would be Tennyson’s first major outing on the global stage. This support from the national governing bodies underscored the collective belief in Tennyson’s potential and the importance of providing him with the necessary resources to succeed. The event’s success in raising funds for Tennyson’s journey would be instrumental in fulfilling his dream and paving the way for future generations of Nigerian chess players.
