The true-life story of Phiona Mutesi was told in the Disney movie "The Queen of Katwe."
The movie chronicled Mutesi's journey from the slums of Uganda to fame as an international chess champion.
Mutesi and chess teammate Benjamin Mukumbya, who is also in the movie, are in San Diego for a film screening and Q&A Wednesday. The event is raising funds to help support Mutesi and Mukumbya when they go to Northwest University in the fall. Mutesi and Mukumbya have full-ride scholarships to the Christian college near Seattle, Washington. The money raised will be for room and board, travel and living expenses.
Robert Katende, who introduced both Mutesi and Mukumbya to chess through the Christian missionary group Sports Outreach Institute, will also be in attendance.
Excelsior Chess is holding the fundraiser on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the La Jolla Community Church, 4377 Eastgate Mall.