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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/09/Nerds-CAGE-BB-1024x763.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7560" /><figcaption>Cosplay competition winner Rhea Rampair as Iron Inquisitor Kayle from the League of Legends video game. (Photos: Contributed)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Anime Nerds of Jamaica (ANJ) held their largest event yet when CAGE was staged at the University of Technology in St Andrew on August 31. </p>
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<p>“For
us, CAGE (COSPLAY.ANIMATION.GAMING.ESPORTS) was a success. We were way more
organised. The plans were executed in a very professional and intricate way.
All the planning and sacrifice was worth it,” co-organiser Tianna Powell said.</p>
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<p>Dubbed
C.A.G.E, the exhibition was a partnership between ANJ and eSports Jamaica to
highlight cosplay, animation, and video games.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/09/Nerds-CAGE-1024x763.jpg" alt="Tianna Powell, a director at Anime Nerds of Jamaica. 
CAGE" class="wp-image-7559" /><figcaption>Tianna Powell, a director at Anime Nerds of Jamaica. </figcaption></figure>
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<p>Dexton
Graham of eSports Jamaica was also happy with CAGE.</p>
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<p>“We
were genuinely surprised and blown away by how well the event went as this was
the first time we did an event together. The support from the patrons and the
activities done by all our sponsors, partners and vendors, especially our title
sponsor Pizza Hut, made it a lot more successful than we anticipated,” Graham said.</p>
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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>“The kids' cosplay competition was definitely the highlight." </p><cite>—  Dexton Graham of eSports Jamaica </cite></blockquote>
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<p>Although
his focus is eSports, Graham said that he was impressed with the cosplayers. </p>
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<p>“The
kids' cosplay competition was definitely the highlight, as it gave them the
opportunity to dress up as their favourite characters while having fun. We want
to make sure the future generations get involved in the industry as the growth
potential is limitless,” he said. </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/09/Nerds-CAGE-CCC-1024x763.jpg" alt="Vendors like Acrylic Moon Studios were happy with CAGE. " class="wp-image-7562" /><figcaption>Vendors like Acrylic Moon Studios were happy with the event. </figcaption></figure>
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<p>Both
organisers said the feedback from vendors and patrons was positive and has
prompted the collaboration to continue in 2020. </p>
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<p>“There
will most definitely be another CAGE. This time look out for more activities
that are both engaging to the patrons as well as the competitors. We are still
acquiring feedback from fans and vendors so that we can help improve the CAGE
experience,” said Powell, while adding that she is gearing up for ANJ’s
signature event, ANIME Picnic, in December.</p>
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<p>— <strong><em>Written by Nichola Beckford</em></strong></p>
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