Missouri Special Olympics hosts College Trivia Challenge

COLUMBIA — Special Olympics Missouri will host “College Trivia Challenge” at the Blue Note on Monday.

Cassie Shields, associate director for the central area of Missouri Special Olympics, said this could become an annual event, depending on Monday’s turnout.

“We’ve done trivia nights before, but this is the first one geared at the college market,” Shields said.

However, she added that all age groups — and not just twentysomethings — are welcome to participate.

Teams of up to eight persons will compete in eight rounds of trivia, with 10 questions per round.

Multimedia, pop culture and MU history are some of the categories that will be displayed on a large screen via PowerPoint.

Teams have one minute to answer each question and must write responses on sheets of paper to be submitted at the end of each round. Shields is working to assemble a “celebrity” panel of judges, which so far includes a member of MU’s improvisational comedy group Comedy Wars, and possibly a few MU cheerleaders.

The winning team will have its choice of prizes: a $200 bar tab at The Blue Note or a Blue Note concert ticket for each team member. Underage teams must opt for the latter.

The $10 entry fee will go toward the Missouri Special Olympics, which hopes to raise $4,000 from the event.

Individuals who are unable to assemble a team but would still like to participate can pay a $5 “spectator” fee.

“A big part of fundraisers is raising money,” Shields said. “But it’s also raising awareness in the community, which helps us get volunteers and lets people know that we’re here.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. and trivia will begin at 8 p.m.

Teams may register at the door, but are encouraged to do so beforehand. To participate, visit the Missouri Special Olympics Web site or send an e-mail to Shields.