The Barometer Online

Greek Olympics take over MU Quad

Greek community gathers for fun, games; week's activities benefit area food drive

Tim Pfarr

Issue date: 4/5/07 Section: News

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Seldon White, a freshman in Delta Chi, races in the Greek Olympics event, "Dude Looks Like a Lady" on Wednesday afternoon in the Memorial Union Quad. Greek Olympics is part of the week-long Greek Week event.

A sea of Greek letters, hulking fraternity brothers and excited sorority sisters set the scene for Wednesday afternoon's Greek Olympics in the Memorial Union Quad.

The afternoon began with a group picture and a speech by alumus Erin Haynes, who attended Oregon State University from 1968-1972 and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

"We are Greeks!" Haynes said. "Be proud of it!"

Following the speech, the games began. This year's tournament consisted of a tug-of-war, a tire change and a melon toss among other events. No real winners were awarded as all events were simply in good fun.

An event called "fear factor" put the participants to the test in how well they can hold their stomachs. Contestants were required to chug a blend of mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup and maple syrup.

Freshman Stewart Kircher was one of the few participating in the event.

"I feel great," Kircher said immediately after. "I think I'll drink another." He described the drink as a cup of "deliciousness."

Another favorite of the audience was the pie-eating competition.

"The pie-eating competition was hilarious," said sophomore Allie Sevall of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Fraternity brothers were forced to eat half of a pie as fast they could, and sorority sisters had to dig through a heap of whipped cream face-first to locate a yellow jellybean.

Panhellenic President Stacy Thomsen said the Greek Olympics are a good opportunity for its participants to celebrate their tradition and unity.

"I think the Greek Olympics are awesome," Thomsen said. "It provides a chance for all Greeks to get together to celebrate our traditions and similarities. It provides fun, friendly competition and gives a chance for the rest of campus to interact with Greeks."

"The Greek Olympics is a fun way to connect with other Greeks," said Brett Lindsey, a member in Sigma Chi.

The event has changed from year to year.

"The Greek Olympics have taken a different direction in recent years trying to be more inclusive and less competitive," said Sabreena Newman, co-organizer of the week's events.

"The big theme this year was trying to involve the whole community including different organizations and non-Greeks," said Interfraternity Council Executive Secretary and co-organizer of events Miles Dodge. "I think we made progress this year by having UGC (Unified Greek Council) participate, which has not happened in the past."

As for the remainder of Greek Week, the food drive for The Linn-Benton County Food Share will continue through today in the Memorial Union Quad.

A Block Party will be held today at 4:30 p.m. on 26th Street between N.W. Harrison Blvd. and Van Buren Avenue, and the Greek Awards Banquet will be held Friday. Events are open to everyone.

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