Here are a few things to consider if you want to host a Wii bowling tournament as part of your Day of Play.
- Identify a coordinator. Various staff and volunteers at your site may be involved in planning the Day of Play, but it’s important to identify a coordinator for the Wii Tournament to act as the point of contact and delegate tasks to everyone involved. This is especially important if you are planning to host more than one activity.
- Recruit players. The most critical step in coordinating your tournament is recruiting players. If there are more than 10 players you might want to form teams. The size and number of teams you should include will vary based on the size of your facility. You can use the customizable flyer in the Day of Play Activity Toolkit to promote your tournament and recruit players.
- Register players. Having people register to participate will help you keep track of the number of participants and ensure that each has signed a liability waiver. A customizable registration form is available in the Day of Play Activity Toolkit. Print several copies of this form to have on hand at your facility to make it quick and easy for people to sign up. Assign someone to collect registration forms and keep track of the names and contact information for team members. Remember to set a cutoff date for registration that will allow enough time to create a tournament schedule on your Day of Play, and make sure everyone has a chance to play.
- Coordinate the players. After the registration cutoff date, review forms and spend some time determining the order in which people will play and make any necessary arrangements to achieve this. Call or email players a few days before the Day of Play to remind them of the tournament date and time, let them know you’re looking forward to seeing them, and ask if they have any questions.
- Arrange refreshments. If you don’t have a special events budget, work with other organizations in your area to find a sponsor who can help provide refreshments for the players. A local grocery store may donate snacks in support of Older Americans Month. A local congregation or other community organization might have a bake sale alongside your event so participants can buy cookies, scones, and other goodies. Think outside the box to find creative ways of keeping your team members fed, hydrated, and energized.
- Test equipment. You will need a Nintendo Wii for the event. Before the Day of Play, hook up the Wii and test to make sure the controls work. A quick demonstration of the Wii console is strongly recommended before the tournament begins to make sure that all team members understand the technology and how the game works. Keep extra batteries for the Wii controllers on hand for the day of the event!
- Game day. On the Day of Play the most important thing to remember is to have fun and be safe. Before players arrive take a look around to move all obstacles from the “arena.” Create a playing area that is approximately 8 feet in diameter and clear of furniture or other obstructions.
- Check that there are:
- Refreshments, including lots of water
- A sign-in procedure
- A system for determining who plays and when
- A camera so you can post pictures to the Community Corner
- A signed registration form and liability waiver from all players
Now enjoy the tournament and remember to share pictures from your Day of Play at the Community Corner.
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