Heads up, Mario Kart enthusiasts and proud parents of potential digital road warriors: the Speedway Saturdays Tournament is beckoning junior speed demons to race their hearts out. Youngsters enrolled in grades K-12 are eligible to participate in this monthly Mario Kart tournament, and with registrations now open, it's time to ensure your kiddo's spot on the starting grid. Those interested in joining the foray should know that you'll need to enlist each child a spot for every month's race—and no last-minute pit stops are allowed; registration closes 24 hours before the event.
The lanes are divided by age groups, the competition featuring a Kids Tournament for those speedsters under 13 and a Teens Tournament for ages 13-18, each of these events taking place on different Saturdays, doubling the fun. For those driven by specifics, the Kids Tournament will rev up on dates like August 16 and September 13, with the older crew racing on days including August 30 and September 27. Although the entry gate comes at the cost of $20 per child—no small change in today's economy—each tournament opens at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center from a bright 10 a.m. to a likely thrilling 4 p.m. finish line.
In a statement brimming with civic pride, Vice Mayor Kathleen Taylor expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “Our Parks and Recreation team is always looking for fresh and creative ways to inspire and engage the young people of our city,” she said, eyeing the event as a source of connection, fun, and treasurable moments for the community's youth, according to the City of Reno official announcement. And for those who like the play-by-play, here it is: kids check in, get their brackets, and race through heats until the best of the best face off in a decisive final round; sounds like an afternoon well-spent, provided you aren't the one KO'd by a rogue shell.
All this digital rubber-burning isn't for kids flying solo; participants need an accompanying co-pilot aged at least 12—if you're thinking drop-and-go, think again. Those racers and their support crews get a pit stop from noon to 1 p.m., with the tournament area closed for lunch and probably some much-needed carpal tunnel relief. Winners do take home more than glory, after all, there's a prize for that first-place finish.
