PLATTSBURG — Cardholders at the Plattsburgh Public Library gathered in the second-floor auditorium Saturday for the first Junior Video Game League to play Nintendo games and more.
“The reason for today is to get kids playing together, having fun, and of course playing some family games,” said Junior Video Game League organizer and library board member Nick Dubay. said.
“And we're trying to connect families to libraries, which are also a great resource.”
lessons of the game
Three screens connected to Nintendo Switch were set up to run demos of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8, and Princess Peach Showtime for kids to play.
Five controllers were paired to the Switch for kids to compete in Smash, two for Mario Kart and two for the Princess Peach game demo.
“Playing video games competitively is also very good for young children because we can teach them how to lose without getting too upset, and we can teach them how to win without bragging. “Because we can do that,” said library volunteer Veloria Dubey.
video game “game”
A series of Mario-themed hand-eye coordination games were prepared for younger children and those waiting their turn.
“We had some carnival games to help the younger kids feel more involved,” said Laurie Dubay, a kindergarten teacher and organizer of the Junior Video Game League.
“We have a ball toss, a bean bag toss, and a Yoshi egg race. We didn't know what was going to happen here today, but it was only 11:30, and the turnout was great.”
These family-friendly events provide an opportunity for the community to connect with each other and the libraries and resources it has to offer.
“I think it would be nice to have something in the library, which is generally a quiet environment, that kids don't have to be quiet about. I mean, this is not quiet,” Nick said.
That's a good use of space.
“I think this is great for the kids. It's a great opportunity to utilize this space,” said Brendon Dupree, a father accompanying them.
“The kids are really excited to be here.”
one of all things
In honor of Mario Day on Sunday, local Nintendo representatives were offering free merchandise to take home, including Mario-themed patches, notebooks, sunglasses, pencil cases, stationery, and puzzles.
The children were very excited about the sunglasses.
“Can I have just one?'' cried one child.
Six-time Mario Kart champion Armand Langevin also attended the event.
“I'm here to help train young players,” said Langevin, also known as Icarus.
“It's really great to have the community involved. Nick does a great job setting this all up.”
upcoming tournaments
The Dubay family will host another Mario Kart tournament on Sunday, March 24th at 11:30 a.m. at 1UP Arcade and Pub, 22 Brinkerhoff Street in downtown Plattsburgh.
“We regularly host video game tournaments throughout the region,” Nick said.
“We held one at Cumberland 12 a while ago and another at 1UP Arcade & Pub. We'll be doing another one at the end of the month. We want to do great things for the community in Plattsburgh. That's all.”
Pre-registration is recommended as space is limited. Admission is $10.
Everyone is welcome to enter for a chance to win bragging rights and other prizes.
For more information, please contact plattsburghgametournaments@gmail.com.
