By Jude Smith
Two Isabella Dicken Elementary School third graders organized the city's first, and hugely successful Beyblade (spinning tops) tournament at Fernie Heritage Library on Thursday.
The event was organized by 8-year-old Jed Cline Smith and 9-year-old Bennett Arling and attracted over 30 competitors who battled it out with their Beyblade spinning tops inside three Beyblade arenas.
The knockout competition consisted of three hotly contested rounds followed by semi finals and a grand final.
Competition was fierce and every round was marked by high tension. Ethan Doehle finally won with Hudson Hare taking runner up. Third place winner was Kelly Bannatyne and Jacob Brown took fourth place. Beyblade prizes were kindly donated by Extra Foods.
Jed Cline Smith said, "It was difficult because it took a long time to organize and it turned out to be great when 30 people came, I was very surprised. Lots of people enjoyed themselves.”
Bennet Arling said, "It was great being a judge but was quite difficult. Everyone had a really good time and also enjoyed the food that our mums cooked and that the library gave us."
Sandra Summerfield of the Fernie Heritage Library said, "It was a fabulous event with lots of fierce competition. I don't think I have ever heard ‘let it rip!’ so many times and with so much enthusiasm! Jed and Ben created a really great event.”
Both boys are keen to organize another tournament in the future.