The Great Atlanta RISK® Invitational Tournament was founded in an effort to bring together some old friends who enjoyed the game of RISK®. Over the years, the Tournament grew in the number of participants as well as the number of geographic areas represented by the participants. Players from Alabama, California, Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, Maryland, Washington D.C., and of course Georgia, have participated in this annual event. When the organizers of the first Great Atlanta RISK® Invitational Tournament began assembling players, no one ever thought that all these years later the Tournament would have developed into the event it is today. Through the years, one constant has remained – players with integrity enjoying the fellowship and friendly competition among colleagues – old and new.
The Tournament Directors have had a significant impact on the development of the Great Atlanta RISK® Invitational Tournament. These individuals have helped shape the Tournament into an event few players want to miss. In those first early years, Mr. Fekety’s commitment to making the Tournament a reality are to be commended. Mr. Oliver introduced “hardware” or trophies in 1986. And, anyone who attended the Tournament directed by Mr. Thoma in the mountains of middle Tennessee will never forget those grand, extravagant events. Mr. Henricks opened his home to the Tournament and raised the level of competition by opening the Tournament to a larger total number of invited participants.
Mr. Perkins brought us to the Georgia coastal islands and the most relaxing setting of the Tournament’s history. In 1995, Mr. Fekety and Mr. Oliver jointly hosted the Tournament establishing a new tradition of co-tournament directors. That same year, the Tournament Directors provided participants with the most breathtaking and interesting scenery and significantly increased the service level of the Tournament. Mr. Magee brought the tournament to Georgia Veterans State Park in Southwest Georgia. Golf was introduced as part of the Tournament in 1999 and now, many tournament participants look forward to the golf almost as much as they do the Tournament. In 2010, we once again returned to the Crooked River state park which has served as the host site of the tournament for the last 10 years. Cooked River state park has served as the host site for more Tournaments than any other venue.
Each year it seems as though the Tournament has become more enjoyable and more memorable. We are sure that this year’s annual Great Atlanta RISK® Invitational Tournament will follow in the tradition of exciting, competitive, and enjoyable events.
