Mayor, High School Students Discuss Gaming League For Nashua

NASHUA, NH — Students in Nashua would like to form a video gamer league and pitched the idea to city officials during a student television program. Last week, Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess and Nick Caggiano, the director of the city's parks and recreation department, as well as Jeff DiSalvo of the department, listened to students from Nashua South discuss the idea. The students and officials met during a taping of a program called "Nashua Talks" — a show broadcast at the school and produced by students enrolled in a video production course that is led by Jeffrey Leone.

The students were inspired by the popularity of eSports, gaming, and competitions both online, with people from around the world, as well as neighbors and friends, in person.

"Starting something here in Nashua would be great," said Drew Fleury, a student.

Donchess suggested a formalized competition which could be run by the department and include competitions between both North and School high schools. Caggiano said the league could be Internet-based with time slots or possibly at the department if they could find space for screens.

Kathryn Page, another student, said, "You could have the best of both worlds and sometimes play online and sometimes play in-person. It's important for girls to be involved. I think girls are underestimated in gaming."

Students and city officials agreed to work together to form the league, starting with the creation of a committee to jumpstart the process — which would help students connect with others while playing their favorite games.

"It's a way for people to express themselves," added Javier Figueroa, another student. "It can help their social skills, have people online who can relate to them."

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