MTV is joining the Veishea celebration this year.

Based upon the channel’s hit shows “The Real World” and “Road Rules,” a new activity will be offered this year called the Veishea Extreme Challenge. The event will test contestants mentally and physically.

The brain trust behind this creation was Anthony Rains, On Campus Events Committee co-chairman.

“I was trying to think of fun competitive events in which many people would want to compete,” said Rains, junior in health and human performance. “Then late this January, I was just lying in bed and this idea came to mind.”

The premise of the event is simple. Teams, which must be coed, will consist of three members. Each team member is responsible for completing two individual events. Following those activities, the team will regroup to work on one final activity. Whichever team finishes all seven events in the shortest amount of time will be declared the winner.

As a reward for their efforts, each member of the winning team will be given a two-gigabyte iPod Nano. Runners-up will receive Veishea-themed prizes, such as hats and T-shirts.

The event’s host is Jose Tapia, who was on “The Real World: Key West.” Organizers of the event felt that since the competition was based upon the television show, it would only be fitting if they could have a cast member be involved.

Landing Tapia would not have been possible without the help of a local business.

“We worked with FTA Travel in Ames to help co-sponsor the event. Through them we were able to get Jose. It worked out since he was available for that week,” said Andrew Isaacson, Special Events Committee co-chairman and junior in agricultural business.

As a host, Tapia will be responsible for introducing all the teams and getting the crowd involved. Tapia will also play a small part in one of the team’s challenges.

Teams had to a pay a $15 entry fee along with deciding on a group in which they want to represent. Possibilities include: their residence hall, church, house or hometown.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday north of the Campanile on Central Campus.

At 5 p.m., Tapia will speak at the Maintenance Shop of the Memorial Union about “Understanding the Real World.” He will speak about the different cultures and the diversity that he encountered during the “Real World.” Afterward, Tapia will answer questions and greet audience members. During the meet-and-greet, students will have the opportunity to get Tapia’s autograph or have a picture taken with him.