Interest in Corporate Olympics up over last year

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- Interest is on the rise for the 2007 Corporate Olympics, as the number of businesses involved in the charitable event has grown in size from last year, Buck Run Community Center officials said Friday.

There are eight local businesses signed up for the annual spring competition this year, up from six businesses last year, BRCC Director Kirk Sharp said.

The four-day event, which began on Saturday and continues through Thursday, is designed to raise money for the United Way of Bourbon County. Some of the money raised is used to pay for costs associated with organizing the event.

In the Corporate Olympics, which is in its fourth consecutive year in Fort Scott, team members representing various businesses compete against each other for prizes that will be awarded to winning teams in different divisions later in the week. Each day of the event features a series of fun and challenging contests for team members to participate in and enjoy while raising money for a charitable cause.

To register for the event, each team must pay a $140 entry fee, of which $100 goes directly to the United Way campaign, and $40 is used to pay for such tasks and items as team T- shirts, prize trophies, and to host a barbecue for teams and guests over the weekend, he said.

Events on Saturday included a fun walk through Gunn Park, as well as canoe races and paddle boat races on one of the lakes inside the park. A Texas Hold ' Em poker tournament and dinner was conducted on Saturday afternoon at BRCC.

Monday events include a pool tournament and sports trivia contest that will begin at 6: 30 p. m. at Rusty's Sports Bar and Grille, 16 N. National Ave.

On Tuesday, teams will participate in a game similar to the popular television game show, "Deal or No Deal" at 6: 30 p. m. in the old gymnasium at BRCC, 735 Scott Ave. Other scheduled events beginning at 6: 30 p. m. include a basketball shooting contest and putting contest in the new gymnasium at BRCC.

A wacky team volleyball tournament will take place at 7 p. m. Tuesday in the new gym.

The Corporate Olympics will conclude on Thursday following other events scheduled to take place, including a water balloon launch at 6: 30 p. m., an egg toss at 7 p. m., a three-legged race at 7: 15 p. m., a Frisbee throwing contest at 7: 30 p. m., and a wacky obstacle course at 7: 45 p. m.

Winners in all divisions and events will be announced later this week.