The E3 Challenge got off to a great start this year as contestants completed their first challenge at Night it Up! on July 15th and 16th. Formerly known as the Toronto Night Market, the event is hosted by Power Unit Youth Organization and marks its 10th anniversary this year. During these two days, Markham Civic Center’s parking lot became a destination for more than 60,000 patrons who craved the exciting atmosphere, delicious foods, and amazing stage performances NIU! is known to have.
Like every year, NIU! is the first challenge for E3 contestants. Among the plethora of food and novelty item booths, E3 always sets apart from the crowd as the 4 teams had to create and run a game booth. Being judged through revenue, creativity and team work, participants put all their efforts in the 12-hour running competition and often ends up losing their voice at the end of the night. Teams' revenue goes toward NIU's official beneficiary - Sleeping Children Around the World and support PUYO's mission of empowering youths and philanthropy.
With only two weeks for each team to prepare after orientation for the challenge, the E3 contestants has to quickly adapt and to work closely their team members, peer advisors and mentor. With little knowledge about how their team members work and what the group dynamics are, the teams needed to choose a team lead, and strategically choose a booth for the event. Given a limited budget, sponsorship is always the most difficult element of the challenge.
In the end, every year this is participants' favourite challenge as contestants are highly enthusiastic about the hands-on work involved and the instant gratification of their efforts. By the end of the two nights, they have learned how much time, effort and energy is needed in creating a good game booth but the hard work did pay off.
The E3 Challenge team 2011
