Civic Center seeks entrants for dodgeball tourney

With time ticking away, groups only have three weeks to sign up for a heart-pounding good time as McMinnville Civic Center offers its first-ever Hit Me Dodgeball Tournament. Registration deadline is set for Sept. 16.

The tournament is open to everyone ages 12 and older.

?Adults can remember what it feels like to be a kid again,? said recreation programmer Jen Barnes. ?Kids can do what they do best, throw and dodge a ball. It promises to be a good time.?

All teams are accepted. Teams from businesses, church groups, family, friends and civic groups are encouraged.

?Everyone can burn off some steam with this sport,? said Barnes. ?It?s a great way to get some exercise. If you can play as a team, you can work as a team.?

Individuals are also being encouraged to join. Anyone wishing to join a team can call McMinnville Civic Center and have their name placed on a list that is now being formed.

Because the tournament is sponsored by McMinnville Parks and Recreation, a special challenge is being sent to all McMinnville departments to organize a team and compete. Parks and Recreation employees already have a team organized.

There are two divisions ? coed junior ages 12 to 15 and coed adult ages 16 and over. Team restrictions include two females per team and there must be at least six to eight members per team with six playing at one time.

Teams are encouraged to come up with inventive names and outfits for their team. The team with the best and most inventive outfits will be awarded a prize.

Pre-registration is required by Sept. 16 and forms can be picked up at the Civic Center. There is a fee of $8 per team member during registration.

The tournament is scheduled for Sept. 23. Check-in time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and the games will begin at 6:30 p.m. The winning team will be awarded prize shirts. For more information call 473-1212.