Board Game Night makes its debut at RRC Polytech
By: Kimberly Wiesner
The cafeteria echoes with laughter as students socialize and play different board games after another day of classes.
Board Game Night, a free drop-in event at Red River College Polytechnic for students, their friends, and their families, made its debut at the Exchange District Campus on Jan. 17. Various board games, snacks, and drinks were provided.
“We were bored of studying. We decided to meet here after school,” said Gurleen Singh, an IT Operations student at RRC Polytech. “We knew there would be games.”
A group of six IT Operations students have been looking forward to a night of games and meeting new people. For Singh, he said he unexpectedly reconnected with an old friend he hadn’t seen since high school in India.
“We had a chat over these board games. We can’t believe we go to the same college now,” said Singh. “What are the chances?”
Another IT Operations student, Vashu Kansal, said he likes to attend events like Board Game Night to socialize with people and make new friends.
“I believe Board Game Night should occur more than once a month. It’s really fun,” said Kansal.
Other students say Board Game Night is an great way to unwind, have fun, and play their favourite games.
“I’m sure we all have our own reasons for coming here, but I just wanted to play chess,” said Gurbaksh Singh Chana, another IT Operations student.
He’s played and enjoyed board games for as long as he can remember, and chess is his favourite, he said.
Chana and his friends said they plan to attend a Board Game Night next month and will bring the rest of their group.
Kristi Dorian, recreation and wellness coordinator and the organizer of Board Game Night, said the goal for any event she puts on is connection, diversity, inclusion, and equity.
“It’s very gratifying to be able to create a space for people to have fun and watch them have fun,” said Dorian. “To be a part of that, it’s amazing.”
Board games have grown in popularity over the past couple of years, and the demand for games will keep growing in 2023, according to Statistica.
Dorian said she makes sure these events are accessible for everyone, providing various options, including number-based, word-based, and card-based games. She said the most popular games are Jenga, chess, and Uno.
The Campus Well-Being unit and the Red River College Students’ Association partnered together to put on Board Game Night, which will soon be a monthly activity. Dorion said it is also the first time an event is open for family and friends of students.
