Full Sail Stories

Students from Full Sail’s collegiate esports organization, Full Sail Armada, recently had the opportunity to give back to the Orlando community, volunteering for a special Extra Life Super Mario bingo game for patients, hosted in the Seacrest Studio at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

The 1,200-square-foot studio, one of 14 located in hospitals around the US, provides patients with an interactive space to explore radio, television, and social media, share their on-air talents, and participate in entertaining programs broadcast directly to patient rooms. Several students – studying in areas including games, business, and sportscasting – interacted with patients by answering phones to record their bingo calls and trivia answers while taking turns as on-camera hosts.

Students answer the phones as patients call in “Bingo!” from their rooms.

“Full Sail University’s team brought an infectious energy that made our Super Mario bingo a memorable experience for everyone involved. They created a fun and engaging atmosphere, which is exactly what we aim for when hosting special afternoons like this for patients,” shares Jake Sadoway, Senior Foundation Development Associate with Orlando Health.

An important pillar of Full Sail Armada, community events and outreach help students feel connected to the world around them while giving them insights into opportunities for more altruistic work in their upcoming careers.

“Community outreach is a cornerstone of both Full Sail and Armada. The opportunity to give back and bring smiles to those facing tough times can have a profound impact, reinforcing our commitment to making a positive difference,” says Bennett Newsome, Director of Esports Growth & Development at Full Sail.

Armada students wear Mario and Luigi hats while on camera during the event.

“After the game ended, one bingo winner eagerly came downstairs to claim her prize and meet the Armada varsity teams. Seeing her excitement firsthand was a powerful reminder of the passion our students bring and the positive impact they can have on others.”

With a deep well of video game and Mario knowledge, Armada students elevated the experience for patients, according to Jake.

“Their passion for gaming and creativity shone through, especially in how they added layers of fun to the Super Mario theme by sharing character facts and celebrating the winners on-air," he said. "It wasn’t just about playing bingo; it was about creating a joyful and immersive experience that allowed our patients to be kids and escape from the reality of their hospital stay, even if just for a little while. The compassion and dedication of the Full Sail team was evident, which made the event not just entertaining, but truly special.”