Scrabble Team Tournament Held in Morgantown - WBOY.com: Clarksburg, Morgantown: News, Sports, Weather

Scrabble Team Tournament Held in Morgantown

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By Katie Anderson, General Assignment Reporter - email

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MORGANTOWN -

Teams came together in Morgantown on Sunday to challenge each other with the classic Hasbro board game, Scrabble. Literacy Volunteers of Monongalia and Preston County hosted the event that shines a light on illiteracy in the area.

"Someone who is struggling with functional illiteracy can't read a newspaper, read a ballot, read a map, or even fill out an application for a job. So when you're engaging in this game you're having a fun time and doing your part to support literacy you're also doing something to remind you of the need for this service in our community," said Erin Clemens, of Literacy Volunteers.

More than 10 teams participated in the eighth annual tournament that isn't a traditional way of playing.

"You work as quickly as you can to fill out as many words as you can for as many points on the board. There are several rounds and several sets. There are also other factors that are taken in. It's a fun tournament and a little unconventional," Clemens said.

Four of the teams were from Morgantown High School and the organization, Hi-Y.

"The purpose is community service so we have opportunities to give back through fundraisers with Literacy Volunteers and I think that's the most important part," said Matt Kelly, Hi-Y Advisor.

The Hi-Y president said they participate in this tournament to help the members learn more about illiteracy rates.

"It gives our members and our students the opportunity to realize that Monongalia County does have the issue with illiteracy rates, and we usually try to educate them about what is going on in Morgantown. I think a lot of people don't realize that Monongalia County has this issue because we are one of the more developed counties in the state of West Virginia," Ishika Desai said.

The winnings teams got gift certificates to local bookstores, and official Scrabble tournament tee shirts. There were also items in a silent auction and raffle prizes. All prizes were donated for the tournament.

For more information on Literacy Volunteers of Monongalia and Preston Counties visit its website.