Cornhole tourney creates friendly competition
For the past four years, there has been no lack of support from the community for the annual Corn Hole Tournament sponsored by the United Postal Service (UPS).
The only change the tournament saw this year was its number of participants, as it had the most number of teams ever to compete on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s all for charity and just to have fun,” explained Darryl Taylor, manager of UPS, on the purpose of the event.
About 90 people entered the double elimination formation tournament held at Ricochet.
The tournament benefits United Way of Imperial County. A combination of entry fees and sponsorship donations were donated to the social services organization.
United Way’s Board of Directors will then decide which local small charities are in most need of the funds.
The tournament was open to all ages and consisted of teams of two players.
Each team took turns throwing one-pound bags filled with dried corn into a hole of an inclined wooden platform.
Teams competed within eight stations set along the basketball courts at Ricochet.
Kianah Alvarez, 9, enjoyed her third year at the event. Teaming up with her sister Kimberly, 12, this year’s tournament was as fun as it’s ever been, said the 9-year-old.
“It was really fun. I liked that you can participate with anybody and throwing the bags are a lot of fun,” said Kianah, who, along with her family, was representing her father’s company ServPro in El Centro.
ServPro was just one of the many local organizations that were represented by players in the event.
Kianah and Kimberly’s first match was against Sandra Pearson and Avelina Martinez of Clinicas De Salud De Pueblo, which had about 30 employees in the tournament.
Although the corn hole event was only advertised about a month in advanced, 45 teams entered the competition, making it the most successful tournament in its four years of existence. The highest number of teams the tournament previously held was 34.
“It’s important to show that we really practice what we preach. We’re out here supporting the community and we’re out here volunteering hours and doing something for United Way. It’s not always just asking for money,” stated Taylor on why UPS sponsors the event. Taylor organized the event alongside UPS employee, Robert Perez.