ASSINIBOIA — Cody Waselenko has lived in Assiniboia most of his life and deems himself a nerd at heart. The nerd designate noted there was no place to get together in a public setting in the community to play games unless you had friends into the hobby.
The observation was the foundation of Nerds Unite.
“I decided to start this group because growing up there was no place to really get together in a public setting to play games. The main goal with this club is to gather up people like me and play games and hang out in a safe space free from judgment.”
Waselenko says he noticed in many other centres there is some kind of board game café and it inspired him to initiate a similar concept in Assiniboia.
What can a participant expect from Nerds Unite?
“What you can expect is all kinds of card games and board games. I also encourage those who attend to bring their own games for others to try out.”
Assiniboia Library has allowed the organizer to use the Kay Cristo Room at the Prince of Wales Centre for the new venture.
Waselenko adds, “I also encourage everyone to grab their snacks from the theatre concession as it will be open during the game nights. Plan is to run these game nights until spring, on a bi-weekly basis.”
The cost is on a donation basis with any proceeds going back to the library as thanks for the space.
Interested parties are encouraged to join the Nerds Unite Facebook page.
Dubbed the games master, by some who are anticipating the new activity offered, Waselenko affirms that so far community members he has talked to or have approached him are in agreement that it is a fun way to spend the winter and he hopes they are right. Getting out of the cold and having some fun are the main goals of this event, which began Jan. 11.
