WOODBURY – Throughout the year the school has hosted several events to support the Cheung family. One of the most recent events has been a Mario Kart Tournament. This event not only brought people together for a good cause but it also used a theme that students and staff of all ages could enjoy and compete in.
“It feels really good, because I’m doing something I love and I know it’s supporting someone that other people love,” Cassidy Weeks, a competitor and bracket coordinator of the tournament, states.
Weeks wasn’t the only student who felt this way. Many of those competing as well as the ESports members running the event shared his point of view.
“It’s for a purpose, which makes it more satisfying to do something for a good cause,” Jack Butterly, another competitor, says. “It’s really an excuse to do it more while doing something you enjoy knowing it’s helping someone else in need.”
“I think it’s a great cause, it’s great to use Mario Kart for this cause, even though we are having fun playing video games, it’s for a great cause,” Delia Coelho, an ESports member who helped run the event, says.
The live event wasn’t the only part our Nonnewaug students had fun with. The ESports team also helped design posters, make the rules, choose the prizes, and a lot more. This entire event was built from the ground up by Nonnewaug’s ESports team and their dedication to helping a fellow classmate.
“I got to spend some time in my video game design class where we all worked together as a class to make the poster, the prizes, and organize the event,” Flynn Amodio, captain of the ESports team and event competitor, says. “I think we’re definitely glad that we are bringing support to the ESports community and Jon Chung by raising money.”
With the creativity of the collective ESports team in fundraising came a unique opportunity to design a competitive afternoon for students.
“It was great hosting because I got to make the rules and it’s good to see my teammates playing other games instead of Smash Bros,” Weeks said.
Thanks to our ESports team and their incredible hosting abilities, the event was a great success. Students and faculty alike had a great time competing against one another or just watching their friends.
“It’s really powerful to see our gaming students not only 100% playing the game, but also hosting the day off, to help out a fellow Chief,” said Katie Blake, the teacher who runs the ESports team. “We raised $402 which is combined with registrations and donations that will go directly to Jon and his family.”
In the end, the event accomplished its goal to raise money for Jon and the Cheung family in a fun and entertaining way. With the help of the ESports team and all those who competed in a tournament, Jon is even closer to getting the treatment he needs.
A special note from the authors of this piece: Thank you to everyone who participated in the event, and Jon, you’ve officially entered Mega Mushroom mode. There’s nothing on this track that can stop you from bulldozing right through this.
