Shells were thrown, bananas were dodged and winners were crowned at the first ever “Mayor’s Cup” event, Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Yelm Community Center. Mayor Joe DePinto, who was eliminated in the first round, deemed the Mario Kart 8 tournament event a success.
The mayor said nine people participated, which he described as the perfect size for the tournament, which featured two running brackets that started with four participants on each side. Eventually, the top three competitors advanced to the championship round, according to the mayor.
“It was a good time. It was a good first start,” DePinto said. “I have three priorities for the City of Yelm, to increase public safety, to improve traffic (issues) and to improve community recreation. A big part of improving community recreation was the Mayor’s Cup, as we provided an activity for youth and adults. We had two father-son duos. I was the other adult, and the rest were young adults.”
The cost for the tournament was $20 and half the proceeds were donated to the Yelm branch of the Boys & Girls Club. DePinto said he hopes the Mayor’s Cup will return next summer but with a different sport for competitors to enjoy.
“The whole point of the Mayor’s Cup is to promote a competitive, but fun, atmosphere where everyone can compete. Next year, we’re hoping to do a tennis version of this so we’ll be out there on the new tennis courts. We’re expecting a bigger turnout next year, too,” DePinto said. “I think it’s very likely you’ll see another event with an arcade or the video game aspects going on. It was a good event, and I’m glad the recreation in Yelm is expanding. Our recreation team, which is mainly Line [Roy], is doing a great job at creating different activities throughout the city for our community to enjoy. There’s something for everybody in Yelm.”
Overall, the mayor deemed the inaugural Mayor’s Cup event as successful. He said he was proud to participate in a city event that wasn’t “too expensive to join,” and he hopes these activities reach a different member of the community each year.
