The Elimination Game

TigerThon’s latest fundraiser pits each student participant against another in a game of watery warfare.

Chelsea Boyer, Social Media Editor

As TigerThon works tirelessly to create great events and fundraisers this year, the captains often meet to come up with new creative ideas. Their latest is sure to be a hit — literally.

The Elimination game is based on a traditional senior year activity once called “Assassins,” where participants use squirt guns to eliminate their opponents. The TigerThon captains have created their own version of the game to raise money and add excitement to the final weeks of the school year.

“Many people know the game by the name ‘Assassins,’ but TigerThon agreed that the title “Elimination” puts our own twist on the game and personalizes it to North Allegheny,” Junior Captain Abbey Hahn shared.

The TigerThon Elimination game will begin on Monday, April 19th. A $10 fee and the purchase of a water shooting device is all it takes to participate.

TigerThon works all year to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer. The organization work to bring awareness to the community, and they donate directly to the Oncology and Hematology Department at UPMC’s Children’s Hospital and Pennies from Heaven. Typically, TigerThon hosts a dance marathon every year to raise money and celebrate the year. Donations can be made at this link.

“We are so excited to host [Elimination]. The majority of the proceeds will support TigerThon and the rest will be given as the prize,” Hahn said. 

The rules of Elimination are involved. Before the end of the week, a participant must shoot their target with their water device and also not get shot by the person targeting them. Targets are assigned secretly at the beginning of every week and the game begins every Monday at 12:00 am and runs through Saturday at 11:59 pm., with Sunday being a safe day. Water balloons are permitted.

List of safe zones (Infographic by Chelsea Boyer)

Once a participant eliminates their target, they must direct message a photo to the North Allegheny Elimination Instagram. There are two Instagrams, one for the junior league and one for the senior league. Once the original target’s elimination has been submitted, a new target is assigned for the following week. Failure to eliminate a target during the assigned week can also result in elimination. The objective is to be efficient and fast. 

There are also a number of “safe zones” where eliminations cannot occur, including all school district properties, movings cars, and places of worship. If a participant does get targeted in a safe zone, they are granted an hour of immunity.

If a participant does happen to face their eliminator. there is one way to defend themselves. If they are able to shoot your eliminator first, they can earn an hour of immunity. 

Hahn advises participants to beware of whom they talk to. Alliances are permitted, so trust and suspicion play a critical role in the game.

Elimination involves the use of “godfathers” who are responsible for assigning targets and basically running the game. If a participant happens to ask one of the godfathers who their eliminator is, they are eliminated. Nobody knows who the godfathers are. 

“We hope this is a fun outside activity that fits COVID-19 guidelines and can go towards a great cause,” Hahn added.

So, participants, look both ways before leaving anywhere. Be careful who you discuss the game with. Carry your water device everywhere you are not safe. May the best eliminator win, and “stay safe, stay strapped, and happy elimination.”

Let the games begin.