Grand Valley State University students and their siblings filled the field house Saturday afternoon for a day of fun, rather than the usual family feud arguments, at the annual Sibs and Kids Weekend.

The weekend event began with check-in on Friday night at 4 p.m., followed by a night full of events to choose from. The weekend allowed siblings to get the feel of GVSU and also connect with their brothers and sisters that are now off at school.

One event that attracted 286 people was Tactical Laser Tag, which was hosted by Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. The fraternity had done an event called “Save A Life” with Kramer Entertainment in the past and since it was very successful the company offered the laser tag for free.

Laser Tag was available from 6:30-11 p.m. on Friday night and the fraternity charged $1 for people to play an unlimited amount of times throughout the course of the evening.

Sigma Phi Epsilon’s philanthropy chairman Caden Beals said they decided to put a philanthropic spin on the event and raise money for Students Providing Opportunities and Recreation Through Sports (S.P.O.R.T.S.), a non-profit organization that was created by fraternity member Tyler Kinch.

“[S.P.O.R.T.S.] brings sports to areas that aren’t as lucky or blessed,” Beals said. “It gives people who are less fortunate the chance to participate and get involved.”

Right now S.P.O.R.T.S. is locally based but they’re working on expanding and doing work outside of the U.S.

“We really appreciate all of the families that came out,” Beals said. “We’re really grateful that GVSU let us put this event on.”

Other events that took place include human bowling, “The Norman Magic Experience”, bumper cars, roller-skating, and many more.
Carter Long, a member of Spotlight Productions, watched over the blow up slide and Velcro toss on Saturday.

“My favorite part is seeing everyone having fun,” Long said. “I think it’s good to get younger kids out here experiencing college in this way.”

People were all smiles throughout the course of the weekend – laughing with siblings and bonding with new friends.
[email protected]