The Martinsville Police held a free Mario Kart 8 gaming tournament at Tequilas Sports Bar and Grill in Martinsville, in conjunction with Marvelfreaks Gaming Comics & Collectibles, a local hobby shop from Ridgeway. Tequilas sold food during the event and provided a large area around for the police department to set up.
Prizes were supplied by both partners, with the Martinsville Police Department donating a gaming console and game worth more than $300 to the tournament winner. Marvelfreaks donated the smaller prizes, which were video game-related stuffed animals.
“They donated a lot,” said Tobin Doman, the owner of Marvelfreaks. He commented that his shop had never given out such a generous grand prize before and that the officers went all out for the event. Doman, along with his wife, set up the event and ensured it ran smoothly.
The event included 20 participants and gave some of the officers who work in the zone around Tequilas Sports Bar and Grill a chance to interact with the public.
“We came up with an outing for kids to come and have a Mario Kart Competition,” said Sgt. Chris Bell. The idea to hold the tournament was a joint effort between several officers.
“Several of the officers that you see here actually work in this zone, so it gives people in this community an opportunity to see us on a different basis,” said Bell, who was among four officers at the event, and one participating in the tournament.
Several children and adults participated in the tournament, with 20 in total competing for the grand prize. The winners of first and second place were a husband and wife team.
“It was awesome. It was really fun for everyone,” said Jamie Marsigit. The couple brought their family to the tournament to enjoy the free outing and plans to use the prize to help their family.
“I really appreciate the officers doing all this for the event and Marvelfreaks. It was a good event, and I had a lot of fun,” said Nehemiah Edwards, who came in third place.
The city police department regularly makes an effort to get to know the community on a more personal basis, and recently assisted with a Drug Take Back Program to help safely dispose of prescription medication. The department plans more events in the future that will help residents get to know their local officers.
Marvelfreaks hosts several weekly card game tournaments. The local business will be hosting another video game-related tournament for Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros: Melee on May 11. Children are encouraged to attend the events.
