Foundation celebrates International Chess Day with fundraiser for rising star Tennyson Olisa

Chess for Social Impact marked International Chess Day with the Abuja Elite Chess Meetup a special event that combined competitive play with a fundraiser in support of Nigeria’s emerging chess talent, Tennyson Olisa.

Held at Café One, Sterling Bank Plaza in Abuja, the event attracted top players, enthusiasts, and philanthropists united by a common goal: to promote chess as a powerful tool for social empowerment and to rally support for Olisa’s journey to the international stage.

This year’s theme, “Every Move Counts,” highlighted the strategic nature of chess and the significance of every step in the growth of young athletes.

Founder of Chess for Social Impact, Oto-obong Mendie (Cassandra), said the initiative was not just about hosting a tournament, but about using chess to spark meaningful change.

“We are here to celebrate chess as a force for change. This year, our focus is on helping Tennyson Olisa, who is making Nigeria proud,” Mendie said.

Tennyson, 22, recently qualified for the prestigious FIDE Grand Swiss in Uzbekistan and the World Cup in India. However, the combined cost of his travel, training, and participation is estimated at ₦54 million. The expenses include visa processing in Egypt, international flights, coaching, training, media coverage, and hospitality.

“Tennyson’s journey shows the challenges that gifted Nigerian players face,” Mendie added. “He has the talent and commitment—what he needs now is the right support.”

Tennyson's elder brother and manager, Engr. Anthony Olisa, noted that the event was designed to raise the young player’s visibility and attract sponsorship.

“He started playing chess at 13, and we saw his potential from the beginning,” he said. “He’s now among Africa’s elite and will represent Nigeria on the global stage. This event helps us showcase him and, by God’s grace, secure more sponsors for his journey.”

Anthony issued a passionate call to sponsors and well-meaning Nigerians to support Tennyson’s aspirations, describing the opportunity as both urgent and significant for the future of Nigerian chess.

The Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Adeyinka Adewole, also pledged the federation’s full backing.

“This will be his first major international outing. It’s a dream come true for any young player,” Adewole said, urging the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, private sponsors, and corporate donors to help ensure Tennyson’s success on the global stage.