Let the games begin.
Greek Week kicked off last Thursday, beginning a week-long tournament as fraternities and sororities team up to compete against each other in a series of events. The annual event celebrates the Greek community while aiming to cultivate homecoming weekend at the University. This year, the community embarks on a journey around the country, as each team represents a different major city with the theme “We run this town.”
The executive Greek Week board has been working since last spring to put the events together, taking aspects of previous years to strengthen the participation and enthusiasm of the Fraternity and Sorority Life community.
“Our main goal this year was to prevent overprogramming,” Greek Week executive member Becky Hatch said. “Instead of seven little events, we have four large events that are much more fine-tuned.”
The first of the four was the Greek Week kickoff, held on the Gerlinger lawn. With a DJ, food and freebies, Hatch said it was a great way for different houses to mingle and get to know each other more. Points for this event were awarded based on attendance.
Events continued participation in the annual homecoming parade Friday afternoon. Team San Francisco took gold in this event and earned themselves 125 points, with 100 points for second-place Portland and 75 for third-place Miami.
With a weekend break, teams came back together to compete in the Greek Games on Tuesday, which included sports tournaments and food-eating competitions. The grand finale happens Thursday with the big talent show. With the majority of teams performing intricate dance routines themed to their city, it’s the one event everybody looks forward to watching.
All of the proceeds from the talent show ticket sales will go to the Eugene Boys and Girls Club. With an estimated 700 attending and a $5 ticket, Hatch and the rest of the executive board are excited to be able to give back to the community during this week of competition.