Esports Still Active this Summer

Coach Jordan Whitaker and a couple of our awesome student athletes from our esports program attended D.C.’s first D.C.-government supported STEM and esports event at the D.C.’s Entertainment & Sports Arena and beautifully staged on the home court of the Washington Mystics. With the purpose of educating underprivileged youth and exposing the population to STEM, gaming and esports opportunities and career paths, Met Fest’s first annual convention delivered a culturally diverse and exciting community activation. 

Founded by Brenda Walker, who had been a key leader in Capitol Records, Death Row Records, NBC/Universal, Coachella and many other major brands and events, Met Fest was organized by the D.C. Government’s Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment. The event, sponsored by Events DC, WUSA 9, Hot 99.5, iHeart Media, DC-101, and Cambria Hotel, featured dozens of guest and panel speakers, a live DJ, several musical artists and local youth marching bands, and numerous tables featuring guests such as the U.S. Army, gaming activation spaces, HBCU representatives, NOVA Esports, University of Maryland and many other colleges and universities. 

Coach Jordan served on a panel with UMD Director of Esports Sergio Brack and Capitol Technology University Assistant Director Charles Spencer in educating the audience on the various career paths esports offers, as well as the opportunity to play esports in college; compete nationally; earn scholarships; and find a welcoming, fun community through gaming as a mutual passion. 

For more information, view the WUSA9 news segment highlighting the event and its participants.

Submitted by:
CJ Jackson, Coord. of Rec & Intramurals, CeciJackson@nvcc.edu