OKMULGEE, OK — More than 700 youth are expected to compete in the 15th Annual Muscogee (Creek) Nation Challenge Bowl, one of the largest cultural events hosted by the MCN.

The purpose of the Challenge Bowl is to encourage Muscogee (Creek) children to learn more about Muscogee (Creek) culture, history, government and language, using traditional values of brotherhood as the foundation. The competition, coordinated by the MCN Johnson O'Malley Program, is divided into three age divisions: elementary, middle school and high school.

Participants from churches, Muscogee (Creek) community teams and nearly 30 schools are scheduled to compete.

This year, the Challenge Bowl committee introduced a new study guide that highlights current events.
"It's designed to draw awareness to our own Creek Nation newspaper and the events and issues that are published," JOM Manager Regina Keith said. "It keeps them up to date on the tribe's current events."

The Challenge Bowl is supported by the MCN National Council, which is the tribal legislative body and the office of MCN Principal Chief George Tiger.

Each school has a five-member team, which is given study materials prior to the event. Living historians, along with MCN employees and community members, serve as sources for the curriculum. Organizers feel the Challenge Bowl is more of a teaching event than a competition.

The middle school competition is set for Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Due to inclement weather, the high school portion was re-scheduled to Thursday, Feb. 13.

The elementary category is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18.

The competion is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. daily at the First Baptist Church in Beggs, Okla.
For more information about the MCN Challenge Bowl, please visit www.muscogeenation-nsn.gov.

MCN Challenge Bowl Winners 2014

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Challenge Bowl kicked off Feb. 13 at the Beggs First Baptist Church with the high school division competition.

The high school division winners were:

• first place - Glenpool White,
• second place - Glenpool Blue,
• third place - Eufaula Ironheads and
• Beggs Truth received the Wilbur "Geebon" Gouge honors trophy.

The elementary school division competition was held Feb. 18.

The elementary school division winners were:

• first place Glenpool 1,
• second place Glenpool 2,
• third place Hilldale Hornets and
• Beggs Hvtke received the Wilbur "Geebon" Gouge Honors Team Award.

The middle school division contestants will compete Feb. 25.