The ultimate dodgeball showdown is on the horizon, and a group of Tourism Management students aim to make sure the bleachers are a sea of blue.
Organized by Sport Niagara, the inaugural Dodge Wars pits NC against Brock University for what promises to be a lively community event on Saturday, March 21. While the athletes prepare to dodge and weave, Tourism Management and Business Development (Co-op) students Christian Sun, Kimberly Santiago, Abby Shulman, and Sheree Loyloy have stepped onto the court to handle the event’s marketing.
Under the mentorship of Professor Jennifer Hall and Sport Niagara’s Vittoria Wikston, they have not only gained hands-on experience in the field, but industry exposure.
“Working alongside industry leaders has given us practical insights that go beyond the classroom,” said Sun. “As graduating students, this experience allows us to strengthen our professional network and immerse ourselves in the industry we are preparing to enter.”
Vittoria Wikston, Marketing, Communications and Events with Sport Niagara, has been impressed by student involvement.
“It’s incredible to see how quickly this initiative has evolved – from a classroom challenge to a dynamic, student-led marketing effort,” said Wikston. “The energy and passion they’ve brought forward is exactly what drives sport forward in our region.”
Hall noted that the event was incorporated into her Marketing, Destinations course for the Tourism Management and Business Development program.
“In our program, we teach that professionals across different industries all work toward the same goal: providing an amazing experience for guests,” said Hall. “My students gained experience developing and pitching marketing strategies and presenting to a panel. Sport Tourism is currently the fastest-growing segment of the Canadian Tourism Industry, so it is a great source of career opportunities for our graduates.”
Dodge Wars not only promises to be a lively event; it aims to promote community health and supports FEED Niagara through a food drive and charitable donations. It also serves as a warmup for the Dodgeball Ontario 2026 Provincials coming to Niagara in April.
The students encourage the NC community to attend.
“We are making a strong effort to encourage participation from NC students, staff, and alumni,” said Sun. “Our goal is to create a ‘sea of blue’ that reflects Niagara College pride.”
Don’t miss Dodge Wars
Entry to Dodge Wars is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item for FEED Niagara. The event will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre to support the Knights and our student marketing team.
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