Humanitarians and gamers alike will find themselves right at home on common ground in "Who's Got Game?" - a competition-based fundraising event for the Special Olympics. The event's collective structuring and purpose directly coincide with the mission of the Special Olympics' mission itself. According to the 1968 established program, "through the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people." With the goal to raise over $1000 for the philanthropy, event coordinator Melissa DeNoia, junior speech, language, and hearing major, is reaching out to her fellow Cougar-peers to generate an ample collection of teams. Participating teams are to consist of two members; each team must pay $10 for entry. Teams will have the choice to enter into a tournament-style competition competing in either billiards, ping pong, or the gaming systems Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, and Xbox 360, with the game choices of NBA 2010, Wii Sports, and Madden 2010. The competition within the gaming system category will generate one winning team. The three winning teams will receive $30 Cougar Dollars as a prize, in addition to directly impacting the overall contribution to the Special Olympics. The event is set to be held in the University Center Game Room on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Competing teams will not be the only ones with the opportunity to enjoy the event and donate to the cause. The Kean community and visitors are invited to participate in viewing and cheering the event's tournaments. With an entry fee of a minimum $3, spectators will not only have access to watching the games but will also be able to enjoy food and drink with the competitors. Shoprite is the leading donator of the food and drink for the event; other contributions to the food for the event are encouraged and welcomed.
DeNoia has already found supporting Kean family members to help organize and promote the event. The Kean University Council for Exceptional Children; The Speech, Language and Hearing Association; and the Kean chapter of the Greek organization Lambda Theta Phi, Latin Fraternity Inc. are already on board with assisting with the event. Additional volunteers are asked to help with collecting donations, keeping scores during the tournament, and maintaining the food and game areas.
For those interested in entering as a competing team, volunteering, or donating food or funding to the event's cause, please contact Melissa DeNoia at denoiame@kean.edu.
