March Madness games

Organizations made friendly competition for a good cause

Kathryn Clark photos

Students play a March Madness-style tournament to donate canned goods.

Multiple Troy University organizations and individuals, along with Troy Habitat for Humanity, donated 54 canned goods to Campus Kitchens and Backpack for Kids following a bracket-style basketball competition last Thursday.

Circle K International, Troy SUSC, Troy Black Student Union, Miss Elite Society, 101 Elite Men and Troy Sparkle were among the groups who participated.

The price to participate was two canned goods per person, which were donated to help campus food insecurity initiatives.

“It’s for a good cause,” said Jamarien Vickers, a sophomore majoring in cybersecurity from Montgomery, Alabama. “I’m here representing 101 Elite Men, I’m here to play some basketball, have a good time and donate to help others.”

Adonia Chambers, president of the Troy Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, said the inspiration behind the event came from March Madness.

“We wanted something that was fun and engaging for the spring,” Chambers said. “Something to start the Spring semester off after Spring break, and we thought, why not March Madness tournament basketball?”

Stephanie Fletcher, a junior majoring in political science from Cleveland, Ohio, said that fun events often draw more participation.

“It gets people involved, it gets people out,” Fletcher said. “It's not just about your organization coming out and helping, it's about the community coming out and being involved.

“It allows people to be interested in what's happening, and it's entertaining. It's a great opportunity for everybody to come together.”

Chambers hopes that through collaboration on events like this one, a sense of community will arise.

“I really want everyone to just be all in with service,” Chambers said. “With the collaboration of all the different organizations on campus, that's how I want us to foster community and show that we all can come together for a greater cause.”

Fletcher agreed.

“I hope this event will open the doors for more collaboration amongst organizations because we are One Troy,” Fletcher said. “This will hopefully inspire others on how to do things together instead of just having events by yourself.”

Six teams entered and battled for the win. Ultimately, team ‘Run It Up’ won the tournament.

Food and drinks were provided by Troy Habitat for Humanity.