How many championships can one tough competitor claim? Five might be the limit, according to Tom Stockwell of Bridgton.

“I have been fortunate to claim four titles and I’m thinking five would be the ultimate goal,” said Stockwell, preparing for the upcoming Four Square World Championship.

Stockwell will be among the competitors battling for the world’s most prestigious Four Square titles at the 5th annual Four Square World Championships Saturday, Feb. 28, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., at Bridgton Town Hall on Route 302.

In recent years there’s been a surge in adult interest in playground games. Kickball and dodge ball are considered the most popular of what some call “rejuvenile” games, but four square has gained its share of enthusiastic supporters as well. Boston, for example, has Squarefour, the “nation’s first and finest four square league.”

Since 2005 the Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) in Bridgton has held the annual Four Square World Championships. Last year’s competition attracted about 70 competitors from throughout the northeast and Canada, according to Peter Lowell, event founder and LEA’s executive director.

“We were looking for some unusual fun things to do here in the winter to stave off boredom,” Lowell said. “It’s just one of those things that sound silly, but once you start playing you realize the skill involved and how much fun it is.”

The championships are open anyone who wants to compete or watch. More than 100 participants and spectators are expected this year. Competitors can enter in the following divisions: Women’s and Senior Women’s; and Men’s and Senior Men’s divisions.

Stockwell has won four championships, his first year in the Men’s Division and three more in the Senior Men’s Division. He always enjoyed playing four square, particularly with his children at the beach. However, he especially likes the indoor game, which he said “is a more advanced game, with structure.”

“After playing in the first Four Square World Championship four years ago, I realized what a fun game it is, mainly because of the people involved,” Stockwell continued. “It is very competitive yet relaxed as the players all seem to value a good time, play fair, and always applaud their competition for good moves. And probably the best thing about the game is everyone can play, young and old. It is a great family game as well.”

The schedule of events for the tournament is as follows:

5 p.m. – Open registration and beginner rule workshop

5:30 p.m. – Men’s and Women’s General entry (top 50 percent advance)

6:30 p.m.- Men’s and Women’s Semifinals (top 25 percent)

7:15 p.m. – Women’s Finals (winner takes all)

8 p.m. – Men’s Finals (winner takes all)

8:45 p.m. – New champions announced

9 p.m. – Relocation to local pub for celebration

For more information or to compete, contact Peter Lowell at lakes@leamaine.org.

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