SYRACUSE, NY (April 2, 2008) -- Syracuse has a new social sports organization, Big Kids Active Entertainment,
or Big Kids AE for short. Realizing that “you only have one chance to make a good first impression” they
are making the American Diabetes Association and its Tour de Cure the focus of their “Cinco de Mayo” dodgeball
event.
The May 5th Big Kids Dodgeball event will result in the winning team donating their prize money to a local team
participating in the Tour de Cure. Big Kids AE will match that amount.
Big Kids AE is hosting monthly tournaments, capped at 30 teams, indoors at the Central New York Family Sports
Center at 7201 Jones Road. The second Syracuse tournament for co-ed teams of seven will be held on May
5th, 2008. The event runs from 6:30PM to 10PM. Team registration is $147. Rules and registration information is
available at
.
Shortly after the Hollywood blockbuster "Dodgeball -- A True Underdog Story" (2004) starring Vince Vaughn and
Ben Stiller hit the silver screens Big Kids Dodgeball was born. Paul Naddaff of Boston, MA saw an opportunity
for his friends and co-workers to stay active while reliving the glory days of high school Physical Education
class. Four years later, Big Kids Dodgeball is stronger than ever recruiting corporate teams, students, and regular
Joe and Jane’s. The company has recently expanded to Syracuse and hosted their first area tournament in
March.
John M. Goot, Director of Marketing and Syracuse native says "social networking sites, text messaging advertising
through Mozeo and a strong word of mouth has created a grassroots buzz" about his Syracuse tournaments.
A street team of college students also help by distributing flyers and hanging posters to inform and recruit future
dodgeball all-stars.
Co-ed teams of seven come to play a minimum of four games prior to the playoffs. "The atmosphere is competitive
but fun," says Goot. While balls fly and whistles blow participants and fans are treated to the sounds of
Syracuse rock/ska band, The Action!. The live band keep spirits high and the competitive atmosphere light as
teams compete for a grand prize in addition to bragging rights.
When asked why Syracuse, why dodgeball, why now? Goot perks up in his seat and smiles, saying "Like the
Nintendo Wii we provide a stepping stone for people to get off the couch. If it leads to them setting advanced
goals like training for a 5K race, all the better!"
