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Updated: 2 hours ago

Life-size 'foosball' fundraiser scores $17K for Special Olympics Aroostook

Human foosball players Photo / Courtesy of Central Aroostook Association A human foosball tournament at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds last month raised $17,032 for Special Olympics Aroostook.
By Renee Cordes

With a new twist on the game of table soccer more commonly known as foosball, Special Olympics Aroostook recently scored $17,032 in a fundraiser at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds in Presque Isle.

Instead of players turning metal foosball rods on a foosball table with attached figurines flicking the ball back and forth, the event featured 16 teams of real-life players positioned in rows along horizontal poles.

The tournament was organized by the Central Aroostook Association, a Presque Isle-based nonprofit that provides case management and other services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Carl Michaud, the organization’s chief operating officer, told Mainebiz that the idea from the event goes back 10 years, when he and his wife first observed human foosball at a festival in Madawaska.

He said the modified version is similar to the traditional tabletop one, except that real-life players have to hold onto a pole and move with the team. 

“Each team consists of six people, with three people on the midfield and three on offense, with one goalie,” said Michaud, who along with colleague Allen Deeves served as a referee for the charity match.

While the goalie can move individually, everyone else can move only in sync with team members holding the same pole, he noted. 

To referee the matches, "I was watching from a vantage point higher than anybody else," he said.

All proceeds raised from team registrations and sponsorships will directly benefit Special Olympics Aroostook, supporting programs such as the Snowdogs, Grasshoppers and Alley Cats, along with annual events including the Spring Games, Aquatic events, Basketball and Soccer Days, and county-wide Unified Basketball.

Champions league

The 401K Kickers team, representing Thompson Financial Group, won the tournament, while the Baressi Ballers of Baressi Financial Inc. finished in second place.

In addition, a group called the Foos Manian Devils won the Team Spirit Award, while the Aroostook Savings and Goals team of Aroostook Savings and Loan was voted Fan Favorite by spectators.

Michaud said he was pleased with the turnout and hopes to make the tournament an annual event.

“I can’t wait until next year, hopefully with a few more teams,” he said.

 

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