'Campus Fest' returns to Penn

Students delight inStudents delight infun-filled activities The contenders bow and the battle cries begin as the two figures in the center of the arena charge and attack. Sumo wrestling is one of the favorite activities featured at this year's annual "Sports Illustrated Campus Fest" in Super Block, which began yesterday and concludes today at 4 p.m. The festival, which is being held for the fifth time at the University, is the nation's largest college touring event and has more than a dozen sponsors -- ranging from Toyota, Kodak and American Express to The Book Store. Courtesy of these sponsors, more than 25 activities and information tents have been set up for student participation. Students may also enter raffle pools to win a variety of prizes and receive product samples ranging from candy to detergent. College junior Laura Paladino was the winner of last year's grand prize -- a $5,600 jet ski. "I went for five minutes, put my name on a raffle ticket, and found out I won in May," she said. "It's worth it to sign up because you never know what you'll win." Paladino was one in a pool of more than a quarter million people from the 25 colleges visited throughout the tour. Also in attendance for the second year was the self-proclaimed "undisputed heavyweight champion of sumo wrestling," College sophomore Reza Alavi. "This is as good a time as any to cut class and have some fun with the boys," he said. College junior Jamie Davis agreed. "I'm here to release all my tensions," she said. "And to hurt Reza in the joust." Students were seen carrying bags crammed full of samples and prizes, munching on free food and sipping complimentary beverages. "After winning at sumo wrestling, the free deodorant came in handy," said Wharton sophomore Tal Zamir. And Engineering senior Tamara Lie tried out the Human Bowling game. "[It was] a different kind of spinning experience," she said. "So much fun and games. Lots of free stuff, too." The students are not, however, the only beneficiaries of the event. When students are seen carrying bags full of name-brand goodies, the sponsors are helped as well. "It's a good way to get names out around campus," said Sports Illustrated associate Scott Pearlman.