By Paul Gipson


It is hard to believe that it is already time for another exciting quizzing event in beautiful Colorado. CI 2006 began differently than previous tournaments in several ways. Six preliminary rounds were conducted on Friday evening and teams jumped right into the double elimination rounds first thing Saturday morning. Another “cool” thing about this years event was the sub zero temperatures that greeted the teams in Denver. Eight degrees below zero was the outside temperature but the competition inside was hot and fiery. Many found themselves on the hot seat as they struggled to bring to mind the passages in the Gospel of Matthew to answer the questions fired at them by the Quizmasters.

Friday evening went a bit late as a few of the matches went longer than expected. The results helped determine the seeding of the teams for the competition on Saturday. As usual, Woodside, host church of the CI, went above and beyond in providing superb amenities to the quizzers and spectators; including yummy blueberry smoothies.

Saturday morning seemed to come early but the teams came prepared and determined. Competition was divided into two categories; the Elite Division and the Division II. (JV and elementary teams.) Several spectators who had never seen Bible quizzing before commented on how in depth and knowledgeable these young people are and how much hard work and practice goes into the ability to recall so quickly the vast amount of information. But as Joshua 1:8 says, success is the result of observing and doing all that God has given in His word. What a joy to see parents, coaches and friends join in the spirit of competition and the excitement created around a pure, wholesome, fruitful and powerful contest among young people in today’s society. (Certainly a dark day for the destroyer of souls)

As the day progressed and some of the teams were eliminated, the victorious teams continued to rendezvous in the final rounds. The scores are posted elsewhere on this web site but the thrill of victory and the frustration of defeat were seen in the faces of each participant. No matter how a team finished in the standings, each is a victor in God’s standings, having more of His Word in his heart in order to have victory over sin and ammunition to fight the good fight of faith.

At the end of the day, the newcomer to this action packed competition as well as the seasoned veterans were asking, “When and where is the next Quiz Tournament?”

See you next year at the 2007 CI Tournament!