CSUDH and Microsoft raise funds for Compton YouthBuild
California State University, Dominguez Hills’ Esports Association will hold BLITZ 2 Electric Boogaloo, a two-day collegiate charity speedrun marathon, in partnership with Microsoft and GamersEDU on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 via Twitch, the video live streaming service.
“A speedrun is a play-through of a whole video game with the intention of completing it as fast as possible; the objective is to obtain a personal best time. Our esports team speedrunners are very specialized gamers who promote community and digital literacy by teaching the science behind the playing of video games,” said Ruben Caputo, Esports General Manager and Academic Advisor at CSUDH.
The second event of its kind held by the CSUDH Esports Association and produced by students Riley Fort and Harrison Gray, will feature highly-skilled players demonstrating their problem solving prowess live and in real time to a virtual and Covid-19 safe audience. Through the medium of video games, made more relevant by today’s landscape, the contactless event intends to create awareness for how the esports world can be a change agent that fosters growth and connection within local communities.
The inaugural event, held in August, raised funds benefiting the East Side Riders Bike Club, a Watts-based organization focused on drug and gang prevention. The success of BLITZ and its overwhelming audience support provided the framework for the larger October iteration.
Proceeds from donations raised during this month’s marathon will support Compton YouthBuild’s ongoing work in youth development, community empowerment, social justice and poverty alleviation.
The Speedrun Collegiate Charity Marathon is free and will be streamed each day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. PST
To view the live stream visit www.twitch.tv/thegamersedu/