Springfield College Esports Club Supports the Baystate Health Foundation
The Springfield College Esports student-led club recently participated in the Extra Life Gaming Challenge benefitting the Baystate Health Foundation and the Baystate Children’s Hospital.
The Springfield College Esports student-led club recently participated in the Extra Life Gaming Challenge benefitting the Baystate Health Foundation and the Baystate Children’s Hospital.
Led by Springfield College Esports club vice president Kadin deRuijter, students took part in a live streaming e-sports competition for 24 consecutive hours helping raise funds for the Baystate Children’s Hospital.
"Springfield College Esports is the cumulative project of interest, competition, passion, culture, and community,” said deRuijter. “This group of individuals has demonstrated that the Springfield College mission and values are not limited to an in-person environment, but can manifest over an online platform. Together, we can spread awareness to a variety of health topics, draw attention to vital health behaviors, and support one another all while enjoying the vibrant creativity that video games help bring to life."
Extra Life began in 2008 as a way of honoring a young lady named Victoria "Tori" Enmon. Tori’s battle against acute lymphoblastic leukemia inspired the gamer community in a way that is difficult to describe. Members sent in video games and bought gifts to keep Tori’s spirits up despite numerous hospitals stays and three bouts with the deadly disease.
Tori passed away in January 2008. Later that year, the Sarcastic Gamer Community started Extra Life, a 24-hour video game marathon to raise money for the hospital that cared for Tori. In 2009, Extra Life expanded to support all Children's Miracle Network Hospitals so that gamers fundraising could directly impact their local Children's Hospital.
