Dodgeball Underway as Spartans Raise Over $5,000 for Charity - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Let the dodging begin. Castleton student-athletes set out for a new Guinness World Record, making their goal 41 hours, to accomplish the longest dodgeball marathon ever played.

The group of 20 athletes from a variety of Spartan teams, began their journey to a world record Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. after adding an extra hour to their goal. Event organizer Lindsey Gullett of the Men's Hockey team, discovered last evening that another group had recently reached the 40-hour mark.

The event is raising money in support of Right To Play, which is the leading international humanitarian and development organization using sport and play as tools to effect behavior and social change. Right To Play implements programs which are designed to develop basic life skills, prevent diseases, teach conflict resolution and instill hope in children affected by war, poverty and disease, throughout 20 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America.

The initial goal was for each of the 20 participants to raise $50 apiece, totalling a $1,000 donation. So far, the Right To Play at Castleton club, has raised over $5,000 to contribute to the organization.

In addition to the participating players and student-athlete volunteers, the Castleton Athletics Department has also chipped in to provide memorabilia for the event's silent auction and raffle, with all proceeds benefitting Right To Play – USA.

 People who are interested in volunteering at the event, or who wish to donate are encouraged to contact Gullett directly at: lindsey.gullett@castleton.edu or by visiting the club's Facebook page by searching: Right To Play at Castleton. You may also make direct donations by visiting this website: http://righttoplay.akaraisin.com/pledge/Team/Home.aspx?seid=2943&tid=42584&mid=10

The Right To Play at Castleton club was founded in 2011 by a group of Castleton student-athletes, looking to raise money so they can provide children in disadvantaged countries with their own right to play sports.

The dodgeball marathon is taking place in the Glenbrook Gym at the Spartan Athletic Complex on the Castelton State College campus, and is slated to run through the completion of 41 hours, at 7 a.m. on Sunday. The public is welcome to cheer on the Spartans and contribute donations to Right To Play.