Norwood Dodgeball Tournament Stresses Connection Over Competition

NORWOOD, MA - A snowstorm threatened outside the Norwood Civic Center Saturday evening. But the real flurry of activity happened inside as young people partnered with community leaders in the town's second annual community dodgeball tournament.

Cosponsored by Impact Norwood and the town's Recreation Department, the event was designed to be less of a competition and more of a collaboration. About 50 students formed eight teams, linked for the evening by the color of their t-shirts. They were paired with at least one adult to offer them encouragement and cameraderie and to demonstrate that young people are valued members of the Norwood community.

Impact Norwood is a community organization with the mission of creating a positive environment for young people that will deter them from substance abuse. By highlighting their positive contributions to the town, it helps to break down negative stereotypes about teen behavior.

Impact Norwood Director Aubrey Ciol said that, although this was a fun event, she was surprised at how engaged the teens were.

"They came together and started forming strategies," she said. "They really wanted to go out there and win."

The teams battled for nearly an hour, laughing and screaming as they scored points and cheering for each other.

The winners of the contest each recieved a $50 gift card to one of a choice of the following venues: local bagel destination SPoT!, Target, Dunkin' or Showcase Cinemas.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to get together with the youth in town and have a nice postitive experience," said Bob Blood, a member of the steering committee for Impact Norwood. "We're trying to build positive relationships, which they absolutely need. "

Blood could be seen throughout the game giving high-fives and words of encouragement to his new friends on the Orange Big Boyz, which was the ultimate goal of the contest. He, other Impact Norwood members, and police officers spent a couple of hours bonding with young people as they darted away from a cascade of balls in multiple colors. Police Chief William Brooks cheered from the sidelines.

The afternoon was doubly meaningful because it was the first annual presentation of the David Hajjar Good Citizen and Spirit Award to Norwood Police Sgt. William Fundora. Hajjar, a selectman who died unexpectedly in October, was one of the leaders behind Impact Norwood and exemplified positive community engagement.

"I was actually nervous," said Ayushma KC about participating at first. "But it was a lot of fun."

"We really got into the game," added Livia Zalvidar, her teammate on the maroon squad.

"It was competitive," Delia Alvarado noted. "It was nice because you had some kids on the team who were older along with a couple of younger ones. There was a sense of needing each other and working together to win."

Thaly Cabet said she had a great experience because she got to interact with kids from other schools.

"We got to meet each other and come together, which was really nice," she added.

Michele Allan, another Impact Norwood steering committee member, said she had a blast with her young teammates.

"This was so much fun," she said. "I'm so happy to support these young people in making healthy choices. The fact that so many young people came out today with the bad weather is really exciting."