City to sponsor Wii Sports tournament

Those who want to exercise despite the winter weather can get “Wii’nter active” this weekend.

Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department will play host to a Wii Sports tournament from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Bloomington Banneker Community Center. The tournament, called “Get Wii’nter Active,” will give people a chance to test their ability against other players in bowling, boxing, tennis and baseball.

This is not the first time a video game competition has been held. In the fall, the community center had a Guitar Hero competition. The parks and recreation department hosted a Wii Fit event Jan. 19, and tournament coordinator Debra O’Leary said she wants to see more.

“I hope we can do more events. We are hoping to do more of these in the future,” O’Leary said. “We had about 30 to 40 in attendance last Monday.”

Wii Sports players will face off on a massive 15-by-9-foot screen in the center’s gym.
“We normally use the screen for movies in the park during the summer,” O’Leary said. “It looks pretty cool set up for the games.”

For those who don’t like the big screen, a 51-inch screen will be available as well.
“I think it will be really cool, and it could attract a lot of people,” sophomore Andrew Verteramo said.

Verteramo said this event could also be a way to introduce children to sports.

“This is a good way to get kids interested,” Verteramo said. “If you want to get people interested in sports you need a way for your children to connect in some way. Wii Sports is easy. It’s fun, and it’s nice to have all those options.”

Sophomore Kyle Hilfman said he thinks the tournament could be a good workout.
“Video games are gonna keep advancing, and if they keep advancing, they will become more of a workout,” he said.

O’Leary said the tournament is open to competitors of all ages, and the entry fee is $16 for those living in Bloomington and $20 for non-residents. She said the deadline to register a team is Jan. 29.

“We expect a lot of spectators and family to show up to watch people play,” O’Leary said.