California State University, Bakersfield's Alcohol and Drug Education Committee is inviting the community to participate in the "Dodge That Drink and Have a Ball" dodgeball tournament on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 9 a.m. in the Icardo Center. The event aims to raise awareness of alcohol and drug abuse as well as promote sportsmanlike conduct.

Teams must consist of six to 10 players. The entry fee for all teams is $100. Tournament champions will receive a $1,000 cash prize. Awards will also be presented for best-dressed team, most-spirited team, and best-dressed individual.

Earlier this year CSUB was awarded a three-year $30,000 grant from the NCAA for the "Get ROWDY: Know Your CHOICES" program that provides alcohol-education programs to the CSUB campus and the community at large.

The goal of the "Get ROWDY: Know Your CHOICES" is to promote healthy responsible decision-making concerning alcohol and to reduce the number of negative consequences of alcohol abuse.

"The NCAA wanted to address the issue of unsportsmanlike conduct due to alcohol use at athletic events, as well as a responsibility message, so it seemed right for us to host an entertaining athletic event such as a dodgeball tournament," said Erika Delamar, associate director of the program, and co-chair of CSUB's alcohol and drug education committee.

CSUB Associated Students, Inc. and CSUB Athletics are also sponsoring the event.

For information about the tournament or NCAA grant, please contact Delamar at (661) 654-3453 or visit www.csub.edu/alcoholed.

###