After receiving several requests from students, colleges in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference have added Farmville as an official sport. Farmville, a Facebook application, allows students to plant and maintain crops. The ultimate goal is to master each type of crop and to cultivate and expand a farm.
MIAC board members cited the current economy as the primary reason for placing Farmville alongside the likes of basketball, track and the rest of the conference sports. While other sports may require fees to participate, Farmville will not, with individual schools providing computers for both practice and competitions.
Members said another advantage of making Farmville an official sport is that it can and will run year-round. This long season will allow participants to improve their game at a faster rate than other athletes who have extended offseasons.
Students seem thrilled with the change.
"The game is now taken to a whole new level because it's no longer just a waste of time," Kristina Haugen '13 said. "I'm so excited!"
Other students in the conference seem to share the same enthusiasm, noting that it is like going outside and being productive without having to leave the comfort of their dorm rooms.
"Editor's note: this article appeared in the April 30, 2010 satire issue of the Messenger."
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