Online gaming tournaments help to form connections

Published on 25 September 2020

As of the date of signing, the Chief Executive Officer has certified that this material is not considered to be electoral material in accordance with Council’s Governance Rules made under the Local Government Act 2020, Civic Place, Warragul. 

Not all competitive sport was off the cards during the last round of COVID-19 restrictions, with local young people battling it out in online gaming tournaments.

Hosted by the Baw Baw Local Drug Action Team (LDAT), two tournaments were held in late August and September, attracting close to 40 local registrations.

A PlayStation 4 FIFA tournament was held via Zoom in late August, with special guest Mouad Zwed from the Melbourne Victory E-League. James Short from Warragul took home the prize – a $250 EB Games voucher and a signed Melbourne Victory Jersey.

An NBA 2K20 basketball tournament held in early September to coincide with the NBA playoffs brought together 22 players in three speed rounds, followed by a ‘Win or Go Home round’. Baw Baw resident Damien Paul took home the prize for the night.

During game breaks, players shared their NBA knowledge and participated in NBA trivia questions. From here, the connections began to grow as people started wishing each other "good game" on the Zoom chat and showing great sporting spirit.

The LDAT is a collaborative partnership that brings together Baw Baw Shire Council, Latrobe Community Health Service, Victoria Police, GippSport, Gippsland Primary Healthcare Network, West Gippsland Healthcare Group and Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co Operative (GEGAC).

The LDAT Program supports communities to work together to prevent and minimise the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs. There are now 244 Local Drug Action Teams across Australia.

The Baw Baw LDAT is funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF).

Quotes attributable to tournament winner Damien Paul

“The NBA 2k20 Basketball Tournament was brilliant! It was great to meet so many new people and play a game we all love through these tough times! 10/10 Absolutely recommend to everyone that did not participate to give it a go next time they run an event like this!”

Quotes attributable to tournament winner James Short

“I had a great time playing the FIFA20 online tournament with everyone. I thought it was very well run and everyone involved really enjoyed it.”

Image: Tournament winner James Short during the FIFA tournament in August.