The Bakersfield Boys and Girls Club hosted its annual coed dodgeball tournament on March 19, in attempt of raising money to support its youth organization and achieved so in an entertaining and recreational manner.
“It’s a fundraiser we have every year, and it’s a fun way to raise money to help support us, and everything we do around here,” said Associative Executive Director, Berry White.
White and various others came to support dodgeball “The Tournament” along with Bright house, that’s been shown to be one of the clubs main sponsors, according to their website.
28 teams arrived with their game faces on, and squared off against the opposing team of the same sex in a race to grab the nearest ball, and chuck it across the room as fast as they could while avoiding being hit themselves.
Each team carried six energetic challengers that sported their group’s name on the back of their shirts, and were simultaneously pumped-up to the sound of “Mr. dodgeball” on the mike, who taunted them with his fancy two-Step and dougie moves, and used catch phrases like, “yayah” and “that’s what’s up.”
“It can get pretty rough on the court, but it’s all in good fun, and it’s such a great sport,” said White.
To the east of Harvey Hall Gymnasium, DJ “Marky Mark” scratched jams, and spun records of hip-hop, techno, and R&B tunes to heighten the intensity of Saturday’s event.
A massive cluster of screaming bodies and flaying body parts described the scene at the opposite end of the court.
Among the crowd of supporters were Congressman Kevin McCarthy and Senator Michael Rubio that attended to watch their family members play. “Kevin McCarthy came earlier to support his son’s team, Team Recon,” said White. “And also Rubio, that’s here for her boy’s team.” Competitors ranged from pre-teens to senior citizens, and were not only dressed in their team gear, but sported outfits that resembled cartoon and action characters.
“Dead Barbies” showed off their athletic skills as they played wearing pink tights, blonde wigs, and white face makeup, and won the title of “Most Creative Costumes.” The end result was $10,000 raised in donations, and a gold trophy in the shape of a dodgeball was given to the first place team, “Bakersfield Headshots.”