PORTALES, N.M. – Some New Mexico high school students may get a chance to compete in a new statewide sport – video games.
The Eastern New Mexico News reports Portales Municipal Schools Board of Education on Monday unanimously approved a proposal to form an e-sports team.
The move comes after the New Mexico Activities Association kicked off the inaugural e-sports season last month.
Athletic Director Mark Gallegos said around 40 schools are taking part in the e-sports season.
Portales Municipal Schools data coordinator J.D. Mead says e-sports would offer students who aren’t as athletically inclined to develop the same team-building skills as students who participate in traditional sports.
Superintendent Johnnie Cain says the e-sports team could result in some students increasing their academic efforts in order to ensure eligibility.
