Belong Gaming Arenas, a subsidiary of gaming and technology company Vindex, has partnered with the Coalition of Parents in Esports (COPE).
The partnership aims to raise awareness of the social and educational values of esports and gaming for parents.
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The partnership will see Belong collaborate with COPE on programmes and resources to educate parents on esports and gaming. COPE is a non-profit organisation that promotes the value of gaming to parents and educators.
The collaboration will include how parents can support gaming as a hobby for children, and how they can become advocates for esports in schools and communities.
Belong has said it would distribute resources for parents and caregivers. Moreover, US-based arenas will provide important information to parents on the social and educational benefits of gaming and its career opportunities.
Shae Williams, Co-founder of COPE, commented: “Esports is proven to inspire interest in STEAM education and career paths while building invaluable communication and critical thinking skills.
“Belong Gaming Arenas provides a safe place for people to explore these opportunities in gaming and get the most from their gaming experiences – we’re excited to call them a partner to make a meaningful impact at a hyperlocal level.
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As part of the company’s ‘commitment to youth gamers’, Belong recently partnered with US school districts to provide venues and support for their scholastic esports programmes. Belong also teamed up with College CoD for a LAN event in May, and launched an inclusivity programme with the*gameHERS in August last year.
Wim Stocks, SVP of Partnerships & Commercial for Belong Gaming Arenas, commented: “Gaming is a lifelong passion that often begins at an early age. Our partnership with COPE helps us deepen the role Belong plays for youth gamers in local communities nationwide, and we’re excited to continue finding ways we can make a positive impact in neighbourhoods through gaming.”
Esports Insider says: Ever since announcing its major US expansion, Belong seems to be increasing its focus on the collegiate and education sector. It’s good to see Belong make use of its new US arenas beyond simply a venue for gaming.