USA

Bentonville School District to offer esports teams

By Dave Perozek

BENTONVILLE -- Bentonville is one of numerous Arkansas school districts taking the plunge into online video games as a sanctioned high school activity.

The School Board voted 6-0 on Tuesday to establish esports programs at Bentonville High and West High schools following a presentation on the topic by school officials.

Esports is organized, competitive online gaming between individuals or teams. The Arkansas Activities Association approved esports as a new activity for the state in January. More than 100 schools in Arkansas started esports in the spring, said Bentonville athletic director Scott Passmore.

Other big districts in Northwest Arkansas -- including Springdale, Rogers and Fayetteville -- either have adopted or are preparing to adopt esports as well, Passmore said.

To continue learning about the growth of esports in high schools, visit the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.