To some, it is just a dodgeball tournament, but to Carter County Drug Prevention, the sport is a way to engage the youth of the community as often as possible, especially if participants get to dress up in Halloween costumes while they do it.

CCDP Director Jilian Reece said this is the first time they will be putting on such a tournament.

“We do a lot of events to raise awareness, but sometimes we want to just make sure kids and teens have safe, fun activities in our community,” Reece said.

Dodgeball is a new addition to a list of family-oriented sporting events CCDP hosts on a regular basis, including a Field Day during the summer, kickball and even Nerf gun wars.

Reece said the tournament also serves another purpose as well: an extension of a continued partnership with Parks and Recreation. She said the tournament was Kelly Kitchens’ idea.

“As many may already know, we are partnering with Elizabethton Parks and Rec as recipients of a grant from the National Recreation and Parks Association to provide mentorships in the community,” she said. “This activity will be one of many to come which we hope will provide opportunities for mentors and mentees to interact in a safe, neutral environment.”

Reece said, in keeping with the Halloween season, costumes are strongly encouraged, though masks are not allowed due to safety concerns.

“This will be a fun opportunity for any kids in at least kindergarten through adults,” she said. “The spooky fall season has given us the opportunity to do something fun and different to get kids and adults active and engaged with one another.”

She said the event will use blacklights, so participants should set up their costumes accordingly.

Reece said though no prior registration or team formation is necessary, participants can request to play together upon arrival.

The tournament will take place Thursday, Oct. 24, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation gym, located at 300 West Mill St. Kindergarten through third grade students will play at 7:30 p.m., fourth through sixth grade students will play at 8 and seventh grade students through adults will play at 8:30.

For more information, contact Reece at 423-342-8008.