ESL launches social initiative with Gamers Outreach partnership

Tournament organiser ESL has partnered with charity organisation Gamers Outreach as part of its newly-launched ‘Gaming for Good‘ initiative.

Starting with IEM Chicago on July 20th-21st, ESL and Gamers Outreach will launch a collaborative campaign that focuses on awareness and fundraising.

Rodrigo Samwell, Chief Marketing Officer at ESL discussed the initiative in a release: “‘Gaming for Good’ is a natural progression to fulfill our brand purpose, and I believe it is important that industry leaders like ESL set the tone and use their brand for the good of society. Partnering with Gamers Outreach will allow ESL to support children in hospitals, where gaming can help serve as a connection to the outside world, the motivation to fight a condition, and dream to become somebody.

“We are committed to working with Gamers Outreach to create awareness and fundraising campaigns that supports the organization’s programs through IEM Chicago and beyond. We call upon all gamers and esports athletes to join us at IEM Chicago to use gaming for good.”

ESL will donate up to $10 (£7.98) from each ticket sale for IEM Chicago to Gamers Outreach. The charity organisation will have an on-site exhibit booth in Chicago, educating fans on the work it carries out and how they can volunteer.

Zach Wigal, Founder of Gamers Outreach added: “Video games are tools that help normalize healthcare environments, and our organization is committed to making video game content available and easy to manage. Games help produce a sense of joy, facilitate socialization, and can even assist with treatment. This partnership with ESL is an incredible opportunity for the community to make a difference in the lives of gamers receiving medical care. We’re proud to work with the team at ESL to raise awareness and support for Gamers Outreach programs.”

Gamers Outreach creates gaming stations that allow children in hospital to play video games to help – either through acting as a distraction, aiding in socialising, or providing education.

Esports Insider says: We need more of this in esports. Charity organisations such as Gamers Outreach carry out invaluable work every single day so to see ESL commit itself to helping out is amazing. There’s no reason why a bunch of gamers can’t help to brighten the day of other gamers, let’s be honest.

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