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Carolina Games Summit is pleased to announce Barton College as their 2023 Title Sponsor. Barton College has been a partner of the Carolina Games Summit since early 2019 when they launched a competitive esports program that began varsity and club competition in the Fall of that year. During this time thirteen events have been held and winners have been eligible to receive over 2,404,000 in scholarships thus far. The Carolina Games Summit’s next event is a partnership with Wilson Downtown Development Corporation and will be Friday February 17th, 5pm to 11pm; and Saturday February 18th 10am to 11pm in Historic Downtown Wilson.

“Building on our gigabyte capacity through Greenlight, as well as the innovative thinking of community leaders, this event represents the best of what we do here in Wilson,” shares Dr. Douglas N. Searcy, president of Barton College. “The Carolina Games Summit is a great fit for our community, and Barton College is proud to serve as this year’s title sponsor.”

“One of Wilson Downtown Development's most valuable tools for the revitalization of Historic Downtown Wilson is its partnerships with other downtown stakeholders," says Susan Kellum, Downtown Marketing & Communications Coordinator for City of Wilson, Wilson Downtown Development Corporation. "Barton College leadership has been working toward that goal with WDDC for many years now including bringing their annual homecoming weekend kickoff to the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. The Carolina Games Summit will be a 'win-win' for both organizations by attracting an exciting new audience to downtown and to Barton, especially their esports program.”

Left to Right: Azarian Ford 3rd Place, Jamar Malone 1st Place, and Keyari Frazier 2nd Place. Accepting Scholarships in the Samurai Shodown tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2021

“Carolina Games Summit's partnership with Barton College has allowed us to grow our programs over the last four years” states Michael Everett Creative Director for Carolina Games Summit. “The new sponsorship will allow us to increase awareness of this great scholarship program Barton is offering to Carolina Games Summit competitors and attendees.”

Dr. Paul Christianson, Head Esports Coach at Barton College
explaining scholarships to CGS 2021 winners

"We're excited to partner with the Carolina Games Summit again this year and hope these scholarships provide a pathway for aspiring gamers to pursue their passion for gaming while earning a nationally recognized degree," said Dr. Paul Christianson, Head Esports Coach at Barton College.

Prospective students also will be able to visit Barton College representatives and current esports team members at their exhibition booth to get their scholarship or program questions answered quickly. Barton College Fall 2023 application is open and currently accepting new applications for high school seniors. Visit www.barton.edu/apply to submit your FREE application today! If you are interested in setting up a campus visit to Barton College before your competition, email Kaitlyn Dean, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, at kkdean@barton.edu to set up your campus tour!

Carolina Games Summit tickets include access to all venues and both days and are available to the public both online or in person during event hours at the Foundation YMCA downtown Wilson, NC. This website has the latest information on tournaments, exhibitors, and event attractions. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting or participating at the Carolina Games Summit.

About Barton College
Founded in 1902, Barton College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college located in Wilson, N.C. The Barton Experience focuses on academic excellence within a wide range of professional and liberal arts programs leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, including master’s degrees in Nursing, Kinesiology, Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences, School Administration, and an MBA in Strategic Leadership. Barton celebrates innovation and bold thinking among faculty and staff as the College nurtures bold leadership development among students. Barton offers purposeful internships, practicums, and research/presentation in academic disciplines; engaging co-curricular cohorts; meaningful international travel and study; opportunities to give back through community service; an impressive array of cultural events; and diverse athletic competition among 24 collegiate teams. Additional information regarding Barton Esports can be found on the official website: www.bartonesports.com.

About Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC)
Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of promoting historic preservation and combatting community deterioration. WDDC’s mission is to lead community investment and drive the social, cultural, and economic engine of an authentic Wilson by creating and promoting a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable downtown. Additional information can be found on the official web site: www.HistoricDowntownWilson.com.

About Carolina Games Summit
Carolina Games Summit® hosts events throughout the year to give amateur esports enthusiasts access to high quality tournaments as well as industry advice and contacts. Our goal is to provide a clear path for all individuals seeking a career in esports or games development through scholarships, educational opportunities, and professionally run tournaments.

About Foundation YMCA
The Foundation YMCA is a non-profit, community service organization. The new, state-of-the-art facility strengthens the foundations of our community through youth development, health living and social responsibility. Y-GIG (the Middle School After School Program), two indoor pools, a variety of fitness classes, robust wellness floor, indoor track, gymnasium, and childwatch provide many opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. We are grateful to Healthcare Foundation of Wilson for the generous strategic grant that provided funding for the Foundation YMCA and Y-GIG. The Foundation YMCA opened to the public October 29, 2022. For more information, visit www.wilsonymca.org.