NEWS

You can help kids and play video games

Hospital patient Will Clayton plays video games with Andrew Gabanyicz, a C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital patient technology specialist who’s also a WCC student. Will, 6, is being treated for cancer at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. | C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital

by R.J. HUNT
Editor

How many times during your childhood were you told to stop playing video games and that video games were bad for you? Well, video games may not be such a bad thing after all. Wolfpack Esports Week, a newly introduced fundraiser for children at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital is scheduled for Oct 3-9.

Not just students, but parents, friends, or anyone you know is encouraged to participate in the #StreamForMott. The goal is to raise money to help the hospital buy Nintendo Switch carts. Every $5,000 raised, buys a cart for the children to use.

“Through this pandemic, it’s been a real disconnect for the kids because it’s been a real lack of social therapy,” says Ben Trapp, esports participant and WCC sports assistant. “I’m happy we are allowed to help because it helps take their mind off things. They can be like, ‘I’m going to take my mind off all that medical stuff and play on the switch for a little bit’.”

There are three ways to help. Throughout the duration of the fundraiser, there will be a Rocket League tournament with the top three winners receiving prizes. Though this is for a good cause, the stakes are still high. Those who want to stream while fundraising can do so on Twitch, Facebook Live, or live on YouTube. Participants are not limited to streaming just Rocket League; they can stream anything from cooking to working out. If playing video games and streaming is not your thing, you can simply donate money for the fundraiser.

Matt Lucas, WCC’s manager of sports, is hoping people spread the word through social media or word of mouth.

“I’m excited to see how this turns out, and I’m excited to see people help out for the cause,” says Lucas.

“If you know anybody that plays Rocket league or even if they don’t but have a dollar to spare, we really ask that you donate whatever you can, if you can,” says Trapp.

For more information about how to donate and/or participate, please visit https://wccnet.edu/esports.