Monday, February 7, 2011
  Largest dodgeball game: University of Alberta sets new world record
 EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada -- With a total of 2,012 participants, the University of Albertastruck back and regained the World Record for the largest dodgeball game ? a record they originally set one year ago.
  Photo: Participants throw balls as 2,012 students compete in the World's Largest Dodgeball Gameat the University of Alberta Universiade Pavilion, in Edmonton, Canada. All Photos: John Ulan / The Canadian Press via AP ( enlarge photo )

  "It's become a source of national pride," said Rory Tighe, U of A vice-president of student life. "I didn't think it would lead to international competition, but we want to show Americans what we Canadians can do."

  The previous Guinness world record for the Largest Game of Dodgeball was set by the University of California, Irvine with 1,745 players.

Guinness World Records also recognized the longest marathon playing dodgeball: 31 hr 11 min 13 sec, world record set by the teams Hometown Dodgeball and Albany Dodgeball (both USA) at the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany, New York.

"I'm curious to see what some of the American universities do," said Rory. Tighe sees the event as more than just a simple game of dodgeball.
   "It's more about the community spirit, it's just we haven't found anything else that people have responded this well too."

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   When asked why the balls were brought in from Sweden, Tighe said they "have the perfect consistency. They're hard enough to generate lots of speed, but soft enough that they will not seriously hurt anyone."

   Spectators included Mayor Stephen Mandel, President Indira Samarasekera, various members of the community, and U of A alumni. The game was preceded by a rendition of "O Canada" by Oilers' anthem singer Paul Lorieau.
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  After 44 minutes and 17 seconds, the Gold Team came out victorious and were able to outlast their green opponents and win for the second year in a row.

  The U of A hopes the game remains an annual event, whether they're trying to set a new world record or not.

 Guinness World Records also recognized the largest game of gaga ball, which consisted of 481 participants and was organized by Briarwood Day Camp in Furlong, Pennsylvania, USA. Gaga ball is a variation of dodgeball in which participants must hit (rather than throw) the ball and are only eliminated when struck by a ball below the knees.  

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