The Special Olympics of Louisiana will be hosting a twister tournament on Jan. 29 at St. Thomas Aquinas high school for the benefit of the Special Olympics team that will travel to Athens, Greece for the Summer Games in June. The contests will begin at 11 am and conclude at 3 pm.

The tournament was conceived and coordinated by organizational communication senior Charlie Genco.

“Hammond has never seen this before,” Said Genco, her excitement building. “I’ve never been invited to a twister tournament and I can’t remember the last time I played twister. I thought it would be really fun to do.”

Genco began an internship at the Louisiana Special Olympics last semester, and decided to to carry that internship through this semester.

According to Genco, their will be five age groups for teams of four: six to 10, 11 to 15, 16 to 20, 21 to 24, and 25 and up.

 An entry of $10 is required for each team. This fee provides the basis of the funds that will assist the team that will attend the Summer Games. However, Genco said that a few  local sponsors have been pitching in as well.

“I’ve got Hometown from Amite, the Jacmel inn, and KSLU as sponsors…I’m still looking for more sponsors” said Genco.

When asked what her motivation behind the tournament was, Genco said that it was her desire to help the challenged people she has helped.

“I wanted to feel like I really helped, you know, and actually made money for them,” said Genco. “I know the World Summer games is coming up in Athens and I really wanted to something for it. All of the proceeds from the tournament go towards those games.”

Registration for the contest will be on site beginning at 10:30 am. Additionally, registration forms can be downloaded online at www.laso.org under the calendar of events.