Veishea is not only a great chance for ISU students, community members and visitors to meet and mingle, but also a chance to mix it up and go for the glory. This year’s celebration offers a wide variety of tournaments and competitions for participants to have some fun while demonstrating their skills and making their own piece of Veishea history.

Twenty-two competitions throughout Veishea week will test contestants in challenges from sand volleyball and flag football, to “Halo 2” and canoe racing. Friendly competition is a Veishea tradition and an important part of making the festival inviting to as many people as possible.

“We try to bring in different types of people,” said Andrew Sponheim, co-chairman of Veishea tournaments and senior in agricultural business. “We want to get all kinds – community members – all kinds of people involved.”

To celebrate the return of Veishea, tournament organizers are focusing on restoring honored traditions and creating new ways to participate and make memories. Typical Veishea events, however, such as the running of the torch from Dubuque to Ames in the VEISHEA Voyage Torch Run and canoe races on Lake LaVerne are sentimental favorites.

Justin Jedlicka, tournament co-chairman and senior in agricultural studies, said the focus has been on new ways to celebrate Iowa State.

“We didn’t want to just get back to where things were,” Jedlicka said. “We wanted to add new stuff.”

Organizers said tournaments are a way to provide participants with a continuous Veishea experience. Competition organizers said they are trying to spread the word about the Veishea tournaments so everyone gets a chance to participate.

“I can honestly say that I haven’t talked to any person yet who has checked out all 22 of our tournaments and not been interested in at least one,” Sponheim said.

Organizers are proud of the many opportunities for Veishea participants to indulge their competitive spirit.

“Of course we get jealous,” said Ryan Woebbeking, Veishea Olympics co-chairman and junior in agricultural studies. “Even though it isn’t here yet, I’m already getting excited. Actually, I wish I could have a team in the tournament, too.”

Olympic events: Flag football, soccer, canoe race, billiards

Veishea participants looking for an exciting workout might want to check out this year’s Olympic events. Flag football and soccer will test participants’ dexterity and reflexes. The ultimate Cyclone pool shark will be crowned billiards champion, and the traditional Veishea canoe race offers students a rare chance to make a perfectly legal splash in Lake LaVerne. Field events will be held at the Bergstrom Indoor Practice Facility. Rain or shine, flag football and soccer champions will be crowned at the event.

Innovative sports: Car show, Xbox games “Halo 2” and “NCAA Football 2006”

These competitions are aimed at the less-athletically enthusiastic Veishea participants. Anyone who didn’t bring the right shoes – or anyone who just prefers the cold satisfaction of a warm plasma rifle – can frag and shoot their way to a Veishea championship. Eye-catching vehicles, from classic muscle cars to imported hot rods, will be on display to be judged and celebrate the return of the driving season.

Basketball events: Team basketball, Slam Dunk Contest, Knockout, 3-Point Contest

Hoopsters have a variety of ways to show off their game at Veishea. Three-on-three and five-on-five team tournaments will showcase teamwork. Knockout, the 3-Point Contest and the Slam Dunk Contest will offer individuals a chance to throw down a piece of the glory.

Special events: 6 on 6 Sand Volleyball, Glowball Golf Tournament, Veishea Open Golf Tournament, Disc Golf

Whether it is reliving Spring Break on the sand volleyball court or hitting the links at the golf course, special tournaments are the place to showcase form and finesse. In the glowball tournament, golfers discover some difficulty hitting a hole marked by a luminescent glow stick. Disc Golf gives participants the opportunity to golf without the club.