Academic Games Tournament

A magical experience at Academic Games

Each year the Academic Games Leagues of America National Tournament is held to discuss, debate, laugh, and play games to challenge young minds.

Students play games that engage their language arts, math, and social studies skills. The organization is dedicated to developing “Thinking Kids” of character and integrity.

Most school districts practice and compete at a local level before they move on to the national tournament, which is hosted in a new location each year. This year’s National Tournament lasted from April 23-26 and took place in Cincinnati, Ohio.

My school district in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, traveled by bus to the games. The competition was intense. We had to study for long hours, and tournaments lasted for many hours each day.

But it was so much fun learning new things, meeting new and interesting people, and enjoying the camaraderie of my teammates.

While I was there, I also heard a very inspiring story about a man who played Academic Games as a child. When he grew up, he flew to Taiwan, where he decided to help the children in the schools there learn Academic Games!

I hope this story inspires every kid who reads this to start an Academic Games League at their school. If you want to learn more about Academic Games, then log on to the website at: www.academicgames.org . There, you will find more information about all of the games.

If you want to start an Academic Games League at your school, find a teacher you like who will help you.

The Academic Games National Tournament was a magical experience for me—maybe I will see you there next year!

—Susan Hepburn

PHOTO: Academic Games winners from Kid Reporter Susan Hepburn's school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo Courtesy Susan Hepburn)