UKnightedXP recently announced that it has partnered with the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, Sun Bowl Association, the city of El Paso (and community leaders), and Gold Star Gamers to create an event that lifts up, celebrates, and supports surviving military children.
The special event, called the “Sun Bowl Showdown,” will be held Dec. 27 – 29, and is the very first military Gold Star charitable gaming event in the United States in collaboration with a college football bowl game.
In addition to the Sun Bowl Showdown, Gold Star Gamers will be featured during the events leading up to the game including an “immersive El Paso experience,” an interactive watch party and benefit tournament (featuring Rocket League), and the Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta. Gold Star Gamers will also unfurl the flag at midfield during the pre-show for a salute to service.
The mission of Gold Star Gamers is “to help children who have suffered the loss of a military parent find hope and healing through gaming,” according to a release. Similarly, UKnightedXP is a charitable organization that works with communities and organizations to leverage gaming as a way to create a positive “social impact to life.”
Martha Laughman, co-founder of Gold Star Gamers, explained why events like these are important to children who have lost a parent because of their military service: “We want to honor children of our fallen and connect with them in a way that is meaningful to them. Many of our military children play video games with their military parents through deployments. After a loss, gaming can play an important role in the healing process.”
“This is a sacred opportunity for all of us, and I am immeasurably proud of El Paso and its community members in supporting what they have helped put together.’ Mitch Reed, CEO of UKnightedXP, said in the announcement. “Our team could not be prouder to help bring this to life. The power of gaming and gaming culture truly knows no boundaries.”
Further details about the event will be revealed at a later date. To learn more about what Gold Star Gamers does for military families, check out the organization’s official website.
