Scratch the surface of any organisation and you will find individuals with unusual claims to fame. Such is the case at Game Nation where it transpires that engineer Leonard Benissan has represented Togo, his country of birth, at table tennis before going on to be a professional player. Who better, therefore, to host the Game Nation Open a challenge with all proceeds and donations going to the CHIPS wheelchair charity?
Long-serving Game Nation Engineer, Leonard Benissan applied his not inconsiderable talent at table tennis to help raise funds on behalf of the company’s adopted charity CHIPS.
Leonard, who has ‘served’ the business for 25-years answered a call for fundraising ideas by issuing an open challenge to colleagues to take him on at the sport.
Leonard was on pretty safe ground having previously represented his home country Togo with the pinnacle of his career occurring in 1989 when he played in the World Championships held in Dortmund, Germany.
True to form, Leonard proved a formidable opponent taking on members from the Leadership, Finance, and HR teams, as well as Regional Operations Managers, and Support staff.
Barely breaking into a sweat, he remained undefeated with Retail Development Director Eric Doherty and HR Administrator, Hazel O’Loughlin registering the highest points total of seven each. With players making donations to take-on the former international the initiative raised a very healthy three figure sum to go towards the purchase of what will be Game Nation’s third CHIPS wheelchair, in the process giving another youngster the gift of freedom.
Game Nation HR Manager Lauren Brown said: “Leonard has a compelling back story. His connection with the sport began at the age of six, when he first picked up a paddle. By nine, his talent was clear and he joined a club where his skills quickly flourished. Before long, he had earned a place on Togo’s national table tennis team, before going on to build an impressive career as a professional player.”
She added: “The tournament raised an incredible amount for the CHIPS charity, a sum made possible by everyone who participated and donated. Leonard was the real hero of the day, not just for his unbelievable skill, but for bringing us all together for something that was meaningful as well as being a great deal of fun!”
Playing for charity
Lauren Brown said… “Leonard was the real hero of the day, not just for his unbelievable skill, but for bringing us all together for something that was meaningful as well as being a great deal of fun!
Originally published on Coinslot on March 23, 2026. Republished with permission.