WCC to host esports fundraiser to purchase play equipment for patients at Mott Children’s Hospital

Washtenaw Community College Students (WCC) will be hosting an Esports Fundraising Week October 3-9 to purchase play devices for patients at the University of Michigan’s CS Mott Children’s Hospital. Esport refers to organized multiplayer video game competitions, especially between professional players or teams.

The funds raised during the event will be used to purchase new Starlight Nintendo Switch Play Stations, each priced at $ 5,000, for Mott patients and their families to enjoy while in hospital. Stations include a video game console and a game library on a cart that can easily be rolled into hospital rooms. Staff in Mott’s Therapeutic Gaming and Technology Program would facilitate the use of stations.

“Not only do the games provide a welcome distraction from the reality of being a child in a hospital, but the therapeutic games and technology staff make friendships with children and teach them various STEM-related technologies and lessons,” explains Peter Leshkevich, Director of Student Development and Activities at WCC.

Over the past year, the WCC has introduced an intramural esports program, as well as a sports and entertainment management certificate. Through this process, a WCC staff member connected with a WCC alumnus who works in the Therapeutic Gaming and Technology program.

“We immediately recognized the opportunity: this event gives us the opportunity to continue WCC’s mission of serving the community, while exploring a new esports activity for our students,” says Leshkevich.

The COE also offers a Associate in 3D Animation Arts in Applied Sciences diploma and a 3D animation certificate, popular with esports enthusiasts looking to turn their favorite hobby into a successful career.

The WCC has partnered with MissionControl.gg to host a seven-day tournament of the popular football game “Rocket League”. All participants will be invited to communicate through the popular Discord app on the #StreamForMott string. A full schedule of game streams throughout the week will be updated on the Wolfpack Esports Week website #StreamforMott.

Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to become an esports athlete.
All player registrations, as well as one-off donations and sponsorships, can be completed through the Wolfpack Esports Week website #StreamforMott.

More information is available here.

Monica Hickson is a freelance writer currently based in Ypsilanti. She joined Focus as a journalist in 2020 and is the author of a book, “COVID logs. “You can reach her at [email protected].