A Tauranga-based games company is taking on their own challenge to get the community to raise funds for mental health – and they want you to play along too!

Backyard games is based at the Mount – and they’re creating the first-ever cornhole tournament in New Zealand to debut right here Tauranga next weekend.

Backyard Games NZ’s community relationship manager Haylee Ross says the NZ Cornhole Open – to take place at Classic Flyers from 10am-5.30pm on Saturday, November 11 – will ultimately support Gumboot Friday.

Haylee says this event aims to bring the community together, outside in the Mount Maunganui sun for a day of fun to raise money for Gumboot Friday, in association with I Am Hope, which raises money and awareness for youth mental health.

“Every dollar is directly passed to the kids,” says Haylee. “All donations go directly to youth mental health services.”

Gumboot Friday stood out to Haylee because “it coincides with what we want to achieve”.

Backyard Games decided on cornhole for the event, Haylee says, because “it is so inclusive, you can play at any age”.

“Some kids don’t want to participate in some activities like cross-country; but with cornhole every kid wants to play,” says Haylee.

“Once the kids get the hang of it they often start try to challenge themselves by standing to the side.”

There are two sections in the NZ Cornhole Open competition. “There’s a social section for competitors wanting to have fun. The person who gets first place will win $250 and second place will receive $100.

“There’s also a pro section for those who keen for a bigger challenge and a chance to win a bigger prize. First place for the pro section will receive a whopping $1000 and second place will receive $500.

“You don’t need to be a pro to be in the pro section, but there is more prize money.”

Haylee says all ages and abilities can compete in the NZ Cornhole Open. “Bring the whole family and enjoy a day of fun with games, spot prizes, food and music.

“Let’s bring the community together and raise some money for a good cause while having some fun in the sun!”

The NZ Cornhole Open is at Classic Flyers from 10am-5.30pm on Saturday, November 11. For competition entry, see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nz-cornhole-open-2023-tickets-715129009117

Spectator entry: Adults and over-12s $5, kids aged under-12 $2. Pay on the day. All door entry proceeds will go directly to Gumboot Friday.