OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Johnson O’Malley Program announced its Annual Challenge Bowl will be held virtual this year.
The competition’s mission is to promote the next generations to learn more about the Muscogee (Creek) culture, history, government and language using traditional values of brotherhood as the foundation.
The Challenge Bowl is sponsored by the National Council and is supported by the Chief’s office as an event to bring together MCN employees, community members and students. The competition is more of a learning experience in sharing and being grateful to those who are willing to teach them.
According to JOM Field Specialist Billy Proctor, the Challenge Bowl committee decided to do a virtual event based on the College of the Muscogee Nation’s COVID protocols.
“Based on the restrictions of large gatherings, the committee decided to do virtual,” Proctor said.
Competition dates will begin with the middle school session on March 31 at 9 a.m., high school session is scheduled for April 7 at 9 a.m. and the elementary session is set for April 14 at 9 a.m.
The committee is also seeking volunteers for these dates to assist as officials for the games. They are looking for moderators, match judges, scorekeepers, timekeepers, language speakers and bracketing.
“The officials will be at different locations such as around the tribal complex CMN, and the teams will stay at the school they are from,” Proctor added.
In a letter from Principal Chief David Hill, he highly encourages all Directors, Managers and Supervisors to allow staff members and any Language Speakers to help participate in the 2022 Challenge Bowl.
There will be a mandatory training for volunteers to get familiar with responsibilities and equipment used for use during the competition. The mandatory training date is March 24 via zoom 9 a.m. to noon.
For questions or to volunteer contact Melinda Deeringwater, Volunteer Coordinator at: 918-549-2522.
