FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL OWARE TOURNAMENT
Toronto, Ontario, June 16th, 2011: MACPRI in partnership with the Africentric Alternative School presents the 1ST International Oware Tournament scheduled for Saturday October 29th, 2011 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at 1430 Shepherd Ave. West. The Toronto International Oware Tournament is a FREE ADMISSION FAMILY EVENT with fun children’s activities, performances, storytelling and a African Market Place.
Tournament registrants should be a minimum of 12 years old on or before October 29th, 2011. A maximum of 256 players can register at a fee of $10.00 each or $25.00 each (includes official tournament t-shirt) for a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE of $1000.00. For registration details, please call 647-991-1753 or email owarecanada@gmail.com.
For Oware (Abapa) tournament games rules visit www.owarecanada.com.
Businesses and community organizations interested in increasing brand awareness, services and exposure through sponsorship can contact Naza Hasebenebi at 647- 207-7395 or email forthepeoplecanada@yahoo.ca.
What is Oware?
Oware belongs to the “pit and pebbles” classification of games with it origin in Africa. There are approximately 300 games in this class, with Ghana’s Oware being one of the most popular internationally. There are versions of the games in all 54 African countries. The Philippines, Indonesia, India, Germany and the Eastern Caribbean also have their own versions of the game. Some elders from Antigua have argued that the game may have migrated during the middle passage in the memories of the Africans.
Oware puts Africa on the Canadian landscape, in our homes, in our classrooms and therefore in our hearts and minds. Oware continues to be an important part of African tradition on and off the continent and playing Oware keeps that tradition alive.
Oware Canada and the Oware “Africa in the Classroom” campaign provides a window of opportunity through a simple, but intriguing game for Canadians of all backgrounds to develop innovative ways of social engagement. Oware and the games of Africa are excellent but underutilized educational resources. MACPRI Oware Canada is proud to be at the forefront of the Oware “Africa in the Classroom” campaign and our tournament serves the purpose of exposing this great social engagement and learning tool to a broader audience. Please post in your community listing and we look forward to your support.
MACPRI Chief, Adisa S. Oji will be on site Saturday June 18th, from 10:00 AM – 6:00PM at the 30th Annual Driftwood Community Festival to officially launch tournament details at 4401 Jane St. Interested participants can register for the tournament at the MACPRI table.
The Festival will also be broadcast live on CHRY 105.5 FM. Please follow the link below for 2010 interviews http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJo663ajubg.
