TORONTO, Ontario

Originally posted March 6, 2012, for the University of Guelph-humber’s paper, ‘Radix’ http://www.radixonline.ca/?p=8087

Fundraising events held to offset hotel and transportation costs of Ottawa trip.

With an enthused and energetic team from Guelph-Humber, the 11th annual KIN Games (kinesiology games) will take place in the nation’s capital from March 22-March 25. The KIN Games, this year themed “Kinadian,” draws more than 600 students from across the country for a weekend of academic and athletic competition. It is the largest annual student run event in Canada.

We are all so stoked about the events this year,” says Neil MacDougall, one of the organizers for Guelph-Humber’s KIN games team. “We will be sharing a bus and hotel with the University of Guelph’s School of Human Kinetics.”

During the upcoming weekend, students from 26 schools with kinesiology or human kinetics programmes will face off in academic challenges, various sporting events, and a dance battle.

The weekend’s champion team will receive The Shoe, a trophy with a running shoe on top of it.

In preparation for the weekend of activities, GH’s KIN Games team members have organized several fundraising events. Last Wednesday at Linx Pub, the “Penalty Box Party 2.0″ resulted in $500 being raised to help cover team expenses including uniforms and accommodations in Ottawa.

Along with the $11 pitchers of beer, games, draws and prizes to offer, students were placed in the “Penalty Box” to take part in various competitions.

“The penalty box itself got a little rowdy,” recalls MacDougall. “Many people paid to put their friends in the box at $1 a minute. Extra money went to people doing push-ups or squats or burps …we are Kin Students you know”.

The stage games were a big hit as were the ‘toonie toss’ and beer pong trick shot. About 300 students partied throughout the evening.

“The team had a blast and got to enjoy themselves as well as raise money. It was a win – win in my mind,” says MacDougall.

The next fundraising event is ‘Can YOU Win Against KIN?’ being held March 8 at 11p.m. in the Humber Gym. Those planning to attend the tournament are urged to bring a pillow because it’s overnight-dodge-ball-until-you-drop competition. In the coming days, there will also be baking and pizza sales.

MacDougall and the other members of the Kin Games Team are urging Guelph-Humber students to come out and support them with their wallets.