Prepare to get wet and wild as Sigma Tau Gamma hosts their annual philanthropy fundraiser event to raise money for the Louisiana Special Olympics.

The “Wet n’ Wild” water balloon dodgeball tournament will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 17 in the field adjacent to the Alumni Center. Pre-registration fees are $15 per person or $90 per team, with six people per team, and $20 for anyone who registers on the day of the event. “Wet n’ Wild” uses normal dodgeball rules, except, of course, it uses water balloons instead of dodgeball.

“This is a great way to hang out with friends and meet new people,” said Logan Luquette, sophomore English major and president of Sigma Tau Gamma. “It’s also a way to help become aware of the amazing athletes that are in the Special Olympics and help raise money for them to continue having a great event every year, which takes place on our very own campus.”

The registration fee includes food and a t-shirt, while all of the proceeds will be donated directly to the Special Olympics. They will also be accepting further donations if students want to contribute.

 “We strongly encourage people to come out and play, but if you cannot and still wish to help any donations will be gladly accepted,” said Luquette. “Last year was our first try at this and it had a really good turn out, so this year we have better preparation and know what to expect.”

The event was originally started last year to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps to support those with service-connected injuries or illness on or after 9-11 and their families. However, the Sigma Tau Gamma national headquarters made the decision to switch their national philanthropy to the Special Olympics.

“We saw this as a great way to start raising money and awareness for this great cause,” said Luquette.

Sigma Tau Gamma is not only raising money to help support the Special Olympics, but will also be helping out at the actual games this summer.

“I’m really glad our new philanthropy is Special Olympics because I did a lot of work with them in high school and it’s a really special feeling helping out,” said David Braud, junior nursing major and vice president of Sigma Tau Gamma programs and philanthropy.

 The Special Olympics games will be held in Strawberry Stadium at the end of May.  

“The planning is a hard process but it is definitely worth it in the end,” said Braud. “I’m really excited about this event and I hope it goes really well.”

For more information about registering for “Wet n’ Wild” or Sigma Tau Gamma contact Luquette at [email protected]. For more information about the Special Olympics visit the website at laso.org.