Month of games • Glasgow University Union

B.A.D.G.E.

It's Big. It's All Day. It's a Games Event!

As well as being acronymic genuises here at the GUU, we also know how to enjoy ourselves. In the case of B.A.D.G.E, this involves a day full of all sorts of nonsense. Teams of three compete to win a slice of the biggest prize fund of all our events, as well as immortalisation in gold leaf on the walls of the Beer Bar. If you weren't quite clever enough (or just too normal) to make Dux at school, why not try to get your name on a board in the name of good times instead?

As part of last year's Scavenger Hunt, each team had to find an O.A.P. Five points for a photo, ten points for bringing them to the Union! The best thing about B.A.D.G.E is that the possibilities are almost endless. No two events are ever the exact same, and every time it comes around (just twice a year!), there's new method to the madness. In the past, participants have had to score rugby conversions, try their hand at arts and crafts, fire water balloons using a giant catapult, and race 'chariots' in Kelvingrove Park!

At the end of a long day's slog, just when the legs are giving in and the title contenders apparent, we round things up with a bout of drinking games in the Beer Bar. This year's competition went right down to the wire, as Team Handsome clinched the B.A.D.G.E. title in the very last event.

All in all, B.A.D.G.E. remains the jewel in the crown of GUU Games events. I'm convinced that it's the most fun anyone can possibly have in one day, and strongly encourage you to take part. The next B.A.D.G.E. will take place during the Month of Games in February. The exact date will be posted here as soon as we have the information. There is limited availability, so be there as early as possible to avoid disappointment!

Iron Stomach

The premier student eating contest.

Firstly, it's probably best that I clarify that Iron Stomach does not involve eating students - the tagline often catches people out. Iron Stomach is one of the Union's longest-running games events - the boards in the Beer Bar detail a line of winners stretching all the way back to the 60s. The basic premise is that contestants must eat their way through a colossal amount of food in the fastest time, with a fantastic prize, immortalisation on the Beer Bar boards, and (presumably) an extremely sore stomach at the end of the line.

Competing is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards make it worthwhile. Iron Stomach always guarantees a packed Beer Bar, and the ever-vocal crowd have encouraged many a competitor through when things have gotten tough. Rounds in previous years have ranged from a four-pint jug of milk to chips and cheese (i.e. a block of cheddar and a potato). It's a spectacle not to be missed!

Entry is free (maximum twelve competitors), so come on down on the night, bring your mates to shout for you, and get stuck in. Iron Stomach forms part of the Month of Games programme this coming February. Even if you're just coming to spectate, you're guaranteed entertainment of the like you'll never have seen before, and a fantastic atmosphere! Bon appetit!

Dodgeball

Dodge. Duck. Dip. Dive. Dodge.

Taking place in the Debates Chamber, Dodgeball is now widely regarded as the biggest and best of the Union's games events. Teams of five battle it out for the honour of being crowned champions in the only tournament of its kind in the country! The tournament can only feature sixteen teams due to time constraints, so you'll need to be quick off the mark to take your place! There will be a tournament at some point throughout first term, so keep an eye out for application forms, which will be made available from the Porter's Box.

Remember: if you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball!

Drinking Competitions

Lips to the rim...

Firmly up there with Iron Stomach as the oldest of the GUU Games events, the Drinking Competitions are guaranteed to be a night to remember (you actually will remember...we're using non-alcoholic beer due to licensing laws!). Formerly referred to as the Beer Drinking, the event recently underwent a name change due to the introduction of the Strawpedo event. The best thing about the Drinking Comps is that entry is free. There are a number of different competitions, as follows:

• Men's Single Pint*
• Ladies' Single Pint*
• Yard of Ale*
• Boat Race* (teams of five)
• Strawpedo

If you're not sure what any of the above events entail, simply show up on the night to find out (or email games@guu.co.uk)! You can enter as many of the competitions as you wish (although all five can only be achieved by cross-dressing). There are entry limits due to stocks, which generally means a maximum of 32 people for the single pints and strawpedo, 8 for the yard and 16 boat race teams. The Drinking Competitions will take place this coming academic year on February 2010, in the Beer Bar. Make sure you're there early to guarantee yourself a piece of the action!

GET… IT… DOWN!

* using non-alcoholic substitutes