A group of teenagers getting together on a Saturday afternoon to play video games is nothing all that strange or special.
But the get together at Abilities in Motion this Saturday certainly was.
That’s because it wasn’t just about having fun. It was about giving everyone, no matter their physical or mental challenges, a chance to compete and win.
Abilities in Motion, an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities live independent lives, hosted the AIM to Smash IV tournament at its accessible gaming center on Hiesters Lane. Gamers were invited to come out and show their skill playing the video game Super Smash Bros Ultimate against other local gamers.
And everyone was invited to play.
“We created this gaming center to be completely inclusive to all abilities,” Stephanie Quigley, Abilities in Motion CEO, said.
The gaming center provides an assortment of adaptive gaming equipment — such as specialized controllers designed for people who have difficulty holding a normal controller — so that gamers with disabilities can compete against gamers without disabilities.
“No one has to come in and feel they can’t compete,” Quigley said. “We want to make sure this space is completely inclusive.”
Saturday’s event was the fourth gaming competition Abilities in Motion has hosted. Quigley said the contests are a way to help create an inclusive local gaming community.
“It’s a way for people with disabilities to develop social skills and to experience community,” she said. “It fits with our mission perfectly.”
Alex Carrasquillo is part of that gaming community.
The 17-year-old is a member of the Antietam Junior-Senior High School’s eSports team, which took part in Saturday’s tournament.
“It’s fun because I have an excuse to play games at school,” Carrasquillo said with a smile of the team. “And I get to engage with a lot of people with similar interests.”
His teammate, Luis Barbosa, said he also likes the competitive aspect of eSports, although he added that he tries not to get too focused on winning.
“I always try to win, but expect to lose,” the 15-year-old said. “That way I don’t get mad at my opponent if I lose.”
Both Barbosa and Carrasquillo said Saturday was the first time they visited the Abilities in Motion’s gaming center.
“It’s pretty cool,” Carrasquillo said. “I’ll definitely come back.”
Source: Berkshire mont