By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

When perusing the calendar of upcoming events for the city of Pelham, one event in particular happening on Friday, March 14 caught my eye.

The Pelham Rec Center is set to host an E-Sports tournament from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for children between 8-13 years old. The cost for the event is only $3 per child to play games like “Super Smash Bros.” and “Mario Kart.”

When thinking of this event and its importance, I couldn’t help but reflect on a quote from Reggie Fils-Aimé, the former president and COO of Nintendo of America, when he introduced the Nintendo Wii at a press conference in 2006.

“Do you know anyone who’s never watched TV, never seen a movie, never read a book?” Fils-Aimé said at the time. “Of course not. So let me ask you one more question. Do you know someone, maybe even in your own family, who’s never played a video game? I bet you do. How can this be?”

Video games over the years have certainly caused controversy. There has been concern from parents for decades that playing violent video games can precipitate violent actions in real life, and concerns that video games are inherently addictive.

However, I am proud to see Pelham championing the medium by offering the opportunity for children across the city. The negative beliefs around video games and their effects, while well-intentioned, do not outweigh the positives surrounding the medium.

As a kid, some of my favorite memories with my friends involve hopping on the Wii to play a round of bowling in “Wii Sports” or shredding a guitar solo to “Teen Age Riot” by Sonic Youth on “Rock Band 2” while my friends accompanied me on the drums, bass and vocals.

Video games are not negative forces that drive people apart; in my experience, I have found them to be as comforting as a classic novel or a critically-acclaimed film. Like the mediums we all love, they have an unparalleled capacity to bring people together.

So yes, the children of Pelham will be able to face off at Coconut Mall in “Mario Kart” or play as their favorite collegiate teams in “NCAA Football.” However, what is arguably more exciting is the chance to make new friends after bonding through the shared love of a burgeoning medium.

I am thankful that the city of Pelham, rather than diminishing the positive impacts of video games, is championing them. I can only hope that the neighboring cities and municipalities around Shelby County will grow the same love and admiration for a medium that has positively impacted my life.