RAPID CITY - Pokemaniacs, Unite!

The Rapid City Pokemon League will host a Battle Roads Pokemon Trading Card Game Tournament at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at Rapid City Public Library.

According to Adam Klynsma, league owner and tournament coordinator, participants can improve their premier rating and win a chance to go to the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, this August.

Registration starts at 9 a.m. and is free. Anyone who registers will get a free, special-edition pencil and card.

The tournament will be divided into three divisions based on age: Junior (born 1996 or later), Senior (born between 1992-1995), and Master (born 1991 or earlier). The first-place and second-place winners of each division will receive prizes.

The Pokemon TCG was first introduced in the United States in 1998 and has been steadily growing with card updates each year, Klynsma said.

Enthusiasts of the most recent video-game release of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo DS are allowed to bring their handheld systems, but the games will not be incorporated with the TCG tournament. However, Klynsma said that it is still a great time to trade between friends.

Klynsma said he expects a good turnout. "Out of over 110 registered players from the league, there will be, on average, about 30 people competing," he said.

For more information, contact Klynsma at 863-1826 or masterdito@hotmail.com.