From Morgan Wilber in Las Vegas, USA
Saint Mary and Gonzaga supporters rushed into the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on earlier this month for the Zappos.com West Coast Conference (WCC) Men's Championship game.
To the fans surprise, they were not there to just cheer on their college basketball team, but would also take part in a Guinness World Records attempt for the most people performing a high five simultaneously.
With Zappos.com being the main sponsor for the basketball tournament, they decided this year to not just sponsor the game, but amplify their involvement by engaging the crowds through record breaking fun.
The record to beat was 2,176 participants performing a high five simultaneously. Not a small number to beat, but a challenge the team at Zappos.com was willing to face.
The Orleans stadium seats around 5,800 people and the stands were nearly full that night. With much planning, several record announcements, a demonstration of a proper high five on the court during half time, and a practice run for everyone in the arena, the participants were ready for the record attempt.
I was present as the official adjudicator, but had numerous witnesses to help me count. We all had designated sections to count and witness the actual high five gesture. The game was extremely close, with only a few points difference, cultivating immense excitement and competition amongst the crowd.
At a break during the second half, we geared up and the packed stands took a moment to find a buddy prepare and when the buzzer sounded for the five second time frame, the participants throughout the arena raised their arms and simultaneously slapped a high five. It was quite remarkable to witness and hear the noise of a high five made by thousands.
After final counts were collected, I was able to announce a new Guinness World Records feat by Zappos.com and all of the participants present at the Orleans Arena with 3,504 people performing a high five simultaneously.
