Gaming for Good: Bellevue College Video Game Tournament to Benefit Autism Program

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Who says all those countless hours playing video games were a waste of time! Gamers, use those skills to benefit a worthy cause by entering the Autism Awareness Video Game tournament, a fundraiser to benefit Bellevue College’s Autism Spectrum Navigators Program, which helps autistic students achieve success. For just $10, players ages 13 and older can enter and compete in “Super Smash Bros. Brawl” on the Nintendo Wii, with prizes handed out to the top competitors. The champion will receive a signed collector’s edition of the video game “Guild Wars Nightfall,” and a “Portal 2” gift box will go to the runner-up.

For those who aren’t as confident in their gaming skills, entry to the event is free and will feature several informative speakers. Dr. Hilarie Cash, an expert on technology addiction, will talk about healthy video game use, and local author Jane Meyerding will discuss her book “Mapping Charlie,” about a character with autism. A panel of Bellevue College students currently in the program will discuss their college experiences. For the younger kids, a play room will be set up with Xbox Kinect consoles.

And those who attend can bid on items in a silent auction, with the proceeds also benefitting the program. Items will include video games, gift baskets and books, such as “The Art of Guild Wars 2,” signed by the artists of ArenaNet.

The tournament will take place May 18 from 3 to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria on the college’s main campus, located at 3000 Landerholm Circle SE. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/257507784343617/. 

“This tournament is a great way to get the word out that there is support for students with autism, that they can attend college and be successful. And the more people who come and contribute, the more autistic students Bellevue College will be able to serve,” said Sara Gardner, the program’s advisor, who herself has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

The college created the Autism Spectrum Navigators program last year to help autistic students gain the skills necessary to successfully complete college and lead a productive life. Students gain access to a network of support, including meetings each week with trained peer mentors and participation in group classes and discussions. Visit http://www.facebook.com/ASNavigators for more information on the program.