Pulling a wad of neon green chewing gum from his mouth, Vinny Wong offered to adhere his team's plastic egg securely to the spoon during the relay race.

"It's all about winning," Wong, a member of Pi Delta Psi said jokingly. "Whatever helps the team win, baby."

Chapters of the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) engaged in friendly competition filled with foot races, spinning contests and three-legged matches yesterday afternoon on the HUB lawn.

"We wanted the whole council to come together and break down barriers and promote unity," MGC President Jason Manoharan said. "What's the point of council if we are going to individualize ourselves?"

Comprising members from various chapters, the teams easily mingled with and rooted for their diverse teammates.

"It helped us to get to know other people, put aside our differences and work as a team," alpha Kappa Delta Phi member Christy Cheung said.

She said that although she recognized a majority of yesterday's participants, a few unfamiliar faces graced the field as three new MGC chapters were introduced, adding to the nine already-established MGC chapters.

The three chapters officially recognized by the university this semester are: Chi Upsilon Sigma, a Latina sorority; Alpha Nu Omega, a Christian fraternity; and Pi Delta Psi, an Asian fraternity.

Acknowledging new chapters "gives organizations that celebrate their cultures the opportunity to be recognized by the university," Manoharan said.

"Having diverse organizations gives students the chance to best find an environment that best fits their values and culture," he said.

Alpha Nu Omega President David Rhoden said that although his chapter currently includes only four members, his upcoming goals remain substantial.

"It feels really good to join the Multicultural Greek Council family," Rhoden said.

"We are all going to bring in something different and liven up the university -- it's a much bigger audience than what we're used to," he added.

He said that in addition to seeking approval from the university and the MGC executive board, prospective chapters must complete two community service events, one cultural awareness program and one educational production.

Despite the chilly winds that whipped across the lawn, the competitors enthusiastically participated in the various events.

"I really liked the turning thing," alpha Kappa Delta Phi member Grace Chang said of the contest where participants spun around an orange traffic cone before engaging in a foot race. "Everyone was cheating; they just walked around the cone -- people didn't want to get dizzy."

No matter which team triumphed in the games, the opportunity to gather and meet with fellow members was appreciated.

"We're the new guys; we had to show them up," Wong said.

"I think they see us now as a new competitive edge," he added.