Genesis Potini facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Genesis Potini |
|
|---|---|
| Full name | Genesis Wayne Potini |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Born | 5 September 1963 |
| Died | 15 August 2011 (aged 47) Gisborne, New Zealand |
Genesis Wayne Potini (born September 5, 1963 – died August 15, 2011) was a talented New Zealand speed chess player. He was known for his incredible skill at playing very fast games of chess.
Who Was Genesis Potini?
Genesis Potini was a man of Māori descent from New Zealand. He was famous for his amazing ability to play speed chess, often finishing games in just one minute!
His Inspiring Chess Club
Genesis wanted to help young people in his community. He started a chess club called The Eastern Knights with two friends. This club gave kids who needed a safe place somewhere to go. They learned to play chess and also connected with their Ngāti Porou Māori culture.
A Life of Resilience
Genesis faced health challenges throughout his life. He often needed to stay in the hospital for his health. But even with these difficulties, he worked hard to live a stable life. In his last ten years, he made a huge positive difference in his community. Genesis passed away in 2011 and was buried in Gisborne.
Films About His Life
Genesis Potini's inspiring story was told in two films. In 2003, a director named Jim Marbrook made a documentary film about him called Dark Horse. This film won an award in 2005 for being the best New Zealand documentary.
Later, in 2014, James Napier Robertson made a feature film called The Dark Horse. The famous actor Cliff Curtis played Genesis in the movie. This film won many awards and was very popular in New Zealand. Many people called it one of the greatest New Zealand films ever made.
