Greendale Mario Kart Tournament Coming Up

GREENDALE, WI — The Greendale Community Alliance and Greendale Park and Recreation Department are hosting a Mario Kart tournament on Saturday, Feb. 15 at Greendale High School.

First-through-fourth-graders will compete from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Those in grades 5 through 8 compete from 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Spectators and families are welcome to attend the event for free. The cost for tournament participants is $10 for Greendale residents and $15 for non residents.

"The eSports Mario Kart Tournament aims to bring families together around a game enjoyed by multiple generations," organizers said. Register for the Mario Kart tournament Saturday, Feb. 15 at Greendale High School with Greendale Park and Rec. at 414-423-2790 or www.gpr.greendale.k12.wi.us. The tournament fee is $10 for Greendale residents and $15 for non-residents.

The tournament is open to students in first through eighth grades. Parents, spectators and players waiting for their bracket will be able to enjoy additional activities and refreshments provided by Community Alliance, a substance misuse prevention coalition.

“Sometimes it is awkward to sit down at the table and have a formal, in some cases, intimidating, conversation about something like drugs and alcohol. Gaming, sitting casually in front of the TV, creates a more relaxed environment with openings between rounds to have these talks with kids. It doesn’t have to be stern and scary. Kids will appreciate the distraction of the next round starting and the opportunity to continue the conversation and ask their own questions,” Madeline Kornbeck, Community Alliance Coalition Coordinator, said.

Kornbeck explained that kids are more likely to talk to parents about drugs, alcohol or problems they are facing if the parent broaches the topic first.

Having short, frequent conversations will make youth more comfortable coming to parents for advice when they encounter tough situations. Starting the conversation early, before kids are exposed to peer pressure or substance use will help ensure they know the expectations parents have set and be more confident in saying “no.”

For more tips on how to create open dialogue with kids around these topics, check out the “Talk, They Hear You” campaign at samhsa.gov or Partnership for Drug-Free Kids at drugfree.org