What is a seven-letter, 14-point word for all-ages fun? S-c-r-a-b-b-l-e, the world’s leading board game and one renowned for helping players develop essential vocabulary, spelling, math and spatial relation skills.
The EMCS Society is hosting its first Scrabble tournament on Saturday, March 28 from 1 to 5 p.m at Edward Milne Community School. Players can register in “casual” or “competitive” categories by calling the EMCS Society office at (250) 642-6371.
The $10 entry fee guarantees a minimum of three 20-minute games. Top scorers from the opening rounds will then enter a knock-out tournament leading to the semi-final and finals. These games will be broadcast on the theatre’s big screen in front of an audience sworn to silence as the players ponder their moves.
This is a BYOB&D (bring your own board and dictionary) tournament. As the competition continues, eliminated players will be encouraged to set up games of their own in the lobby under the whale.
Word challenges will be adjudicated by Sooke Mayor Maja Tait based on the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary. Anne Boquist and Diane Kent, who have matched wits most weekday mornings at the Stick in the Mud since the cafe opened, will be on hand to teach “squabble,” their lively variation on the traditional game.
Spectators are welcome by donation (toonie suggested). A student art show and silent auction of donated merchandise and services will also help raise funds.
Proceeds will be split between the annual EMCS Society Play and Learn Camp, which helps youngsters aged six to nine catch up on literacy skills during the summer break, and the Sooke Region Literacy Task Group’s book-buying program for young readers.
A portion of the day’s take will also go to the EMCS Society’s “munch card” program, which funds nutritious lunches and other healthy initiatives for students through EMCS Culinary Arts.
