YOUTHS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN 'XTREME' GAMES

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Sometimes finding something exciting to do can prove challenging for local young people but that won't be the case Saturday.

From 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Sikeston Junior High, local and area youth will have the opportunity to try everything from Sumo wrestling to mountain climbing.

It will be an afternoon of adventure for middle school and high school students.

A Champaign, Ill., company is bringing in five "Xtreme" games which in addition to the mountain climbing event and Sumo wrestling will include a pedestal joust event, an obstacle course and even a bungee run. Three on three basketball is also among the activities for those interested.

"What they do with the bungee run is strap on bungee cords and you run to the end," explained Brian Cook, Celebration 2000 youth chairman. "You put a velcro ball at the end but the person who gets there first gets jerked all the way to the beginning first. It's all padded, it's pretty fun." There will be musical entertainment performed by the band Light Headed out of Metropolis, Ill., and a Princeton, Ind., group known as Recycled Souls. Both are known for their alternative Christian music.

At 7 p.m., when the Xtreme games come to an end, participants may walk over to the Field House to attend the Celebration 2000 Crusade which is actually what the afternoon gears up for.

Guiding young people away from all the temptations that surround them and showing them how their lives can change when they develop a relationship with Christ is vital especially in today's society, said Cook.

"There is so much turmoil in our world today and kids are searching for love and acceptance. Too many are trying to find it in drugs and alcohol. There is a void in their lives and the only way to fill that void is through Jesus Christ. This Saturday we're offering an alternative time of fun activity for kids," said Cook, associate pastor at the Second General Baptist Church in Dexter.

There is no fee or preregistration required and refreshments will be served to those participating.

Cooks said all young people need to do is show up and be prepared to have a good time. A check-in point will be set up as they enter the door.