COAL HARBOUR—As kids across the North Island dressed up for Halloween last weekend, a group of adults donned their costumes for a very different reason in Quatsino.
The band hosted its inaugural co-ed dodgeball tournament and — just as in the movie of the same name — teams faced off in costume.
Eight teams came out for the event, won in a thrilling finale by the Lifeguards who overcame a 3-1 deficit in the best-of-seven series to trump the Dirty Dodgers 4-3.
The two sides earned their berths after surviving the weekend’s double elimination playoffs, the second-seeded Lifeguards fighting back through the loser’s bracket after going down in the second round to their final opponents.
Behind the fun there was a good cause for the shenanigans. “Three of our kids are going to Honolulu for an all-aboriginal soccer tournament,” explained organizer Ray Clair.
The monies raised at the event went to fundraising efforts for the local youths: Riley Nelson, Miranda Clair and Trey Morash. Clair estimated that the trip to the mid-August soccer tourney would cost approximately $21,000 per youth.
And the pot got a boost thanks to a classy act from the finalists. Both the Lifeguards and the Dirty Dodgers handed their winnings right back to the organizers to supplement the total, which Clair said topped $1,150.
Fundraising efforts will continue for the youths, with an Old Mans/ Old Ladies volleyball tourney scheduled for end of this month. Organizers already have six mens and five ladies teams signed up and hope to draw more. For more information on the tourney contact Melissa Robertson at 250-902-8321.
Dodgeball seems to have had an impact too, promising to return in the new year.
“With dodgeball we’re just trying to get a different sport in. It’s fun, mobile — we’re just trying to do something different,” said Clair.
Clair said that another, larger tournament was in the works for Jan. 31- Feb 2, this time with a 13-18 division in addition to the adult bracket.
In addition, Clair hopes to launch a co-ed league early in January, with games to be held at Quatsino and Wakas Halls.
To learn more about the upcoming tournament or league contact Clair on 250-203-2897.
