Esports Tournament Grows in Idaho Falls, Fostering Relationships and Skills

by John Nowacky
in *EN, News-PL
on 28 stycznia 2024

Compass Academy in Idaho Falls was alive with excitement as high school and middle school students from across the district gathered for the second annual Esports tournament. This competitive video game contest brings together teams from different schools and age groups to compete in a variety of games, including shooter games, fighting games, and car soccer. The tournament aims to build relationships between schools and establish Esports leagues not only locally, but also throughout the region.

What started as a District 91 event has now expanded to include teams from all over the state. The tournament serves as a preparation for the statewide Esports season, which begins in February. Teams will compete against each other from various schools, and eventually, the top performers will come together for a state championship. This year’s event is larger than ever, with more students participating and showcasing their skills.

Tito Peredes, the IT Director of District 91, played a significant role in bringing Esports to the district. After witnessing the success and scholarship opportunities offered by the Boise State tournament, Peredes became determined to provide similar opportunities for the students in his district. With the support of the school district, he secured an initial investment in computers, games, and equipment to kickstart the program in 2023.

The benefits of participating in the Esports tournament go beyond just gaming skills. According to Gericke Kohn, the Esports director for District 91, students develop valuable life skills such as hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and communication through team play. Kohn, who has been involved with video games since childhood, emphasizes the importance of these skills and the positive impact they can have on students’ futures.

Participants, like seventeen-year-old Thomas Christensen from Firth High School, recognize the potential of the Esports league. Thomas, an avid gamer since a young age, sees the problem-solving aspect of gaming as a skill that will serve him well in his future career in cybersecurity. Similarly, fourteen-year-old Braden Moats from Taylorview Middle School believes that the hand-eye coordination gained from playing video games could benefit him if he pursues a career in the medical field.

As the Esports program continues to grow, organizers rely on donations and community support to sustain and expand their efforts. The funds provided by donors, such as the recent $35,000 grant from the Idaho STEM foundation to Thunder Ridge High School’s Esports team, allow more students to participate in the program. Additional funding is crucial to making these opportunities available for students and ensuring the continued success of the Esports tournament in Idaho Falls.

In conclusion, the Esports tournament in Idaho Falls is not only a platform for students to showcase their gaming skills but also an opportunity for them to nurture valuable life skills and build relationships with students from other schools. The expansion of the tournament to a statewide level reflects the growing popularity and recognition of Esports as a legitimate competitive activity. With continued support from the community, this program has the potential to provide even more opportunities for students in the future.

FAQ:
1. What is the Esports tournament in Idaho Falls?
The Esports tournament in Idaho Falls is a competitive video game contest that brings together high school and middle school students from different schools and age groups to compete in a variety of games.

2. What games are played in the tournament?
The tournament features games such as shooter games, fighting games, and car soccer.

3. What is the purpose of the tournament?
The tournament aims to build relationships between schools and establish Esports leagues not only locally but also throughout the region.

4. Who can participate in the tournament?
Teams from various schools across the district and state can participate in the tournament.

5. What is the role of Tito Peredes?
Tito Peredes, the IT Director of District 91, played a significant role in bringing Esports to the district and securing the initial investment for the program.

6. What are the benefits of participating in the Esports tournament?
Participating in the Esports tournament helps students develop valuable life skills such as hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and communication through team play.

7. How can participating in the tournament benefit students’ future careers?
Skills gained from gaming, such as problem-solving and hand-eye coordination, can benefit students in future careers such as cybersecurity or the medical field.

8. How is the Esports program funded?
The organizers rely on donations and community support, such as grants, to sustain and expand the program.

9. How does the expansion of the tournament reflect the recognition of Esports?
The expansion of the tournament to a statewide level reflects the growing popularity and recognition of Esports as a legitimate competitive activity.

The source of the article is from the blog guambia.com.uy