Are you ready to test your wits, unravel mysteries, and escape the clutches of horror? “Escape the Doc” brought the adrenaline-pumping adventure of escape rooms to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, on November 3rd. This unique Halloween-themed event aimed to introduce the concept of escape rooms while celebrating diverse cultures of horror.
As the UCFM Tower transformed into a haven of suspense, two floors hosted two exhilarating escape rooms. The event attracted participants from our university, IIT campus, Jayawardenapura University, and post-A/L students, with a total of 110 eager contestants forming 6-8 member teams.
To unlock clues and overcome challenges, teams first had to collect stars by conquering mini-games. These stars served as a lifeline, granting them free clues within the escape room. Before entering the nerve-wracking chambers, a captivating video unveiled the spine-chilling storyline, setting the stage for an immersive experience.
Inside the escape rooms, teams relied on their collective intellect while seeking assistance from their guide. A shout of “Dr. Omenta Lacerum” summoned the guide to provide a crucial clue. To heighten the suspense, participants bid farewell to their electronic devices, fully immersing themselves in the chilling atmosphere. However, each clue came with a time penalty of two minutes unless stars earned from the game stalls were redeemed. With only 20 minutes on the clock, the team that escaped in the shortest time emerged victorious. Three teams achieved this feat, earning their rightful place on the leaderboard.
The heart-racing adventure culminated with a memorable group photo against a specially arranged backdrop, capturing the triumph of the participants. The overwhelming demand for “Escape the Doc” led the organizing committee to restrict participation, making it one of the most successful projects of the year.
Adding an international flair to the excitement, the Rotaract Club of OPJGU, India collaborated to create their own escape room experience. On February 15th, at the OPJGU lecture rooms, fifteen teams embraced the horror-fantasy theme of “Corpse Bride.” The teams competed head-to-head, solving riddles, finding objects, and reenacting scenes from the movie, all within the 30-minute time limit.
Behind the scenes, a dynamic project team spearheaded by Channa Sirisena as well as by Nesandi Silva ensured the seamless execution and resounding success of the event. The dedication of committee members Asel Jatunarachchi, Harindu Kirihena, Ashvini Chandrakumar, Vinudi Edirisinghe, Sandhithi Illangasinghe, and Kavin Pathirage was instrumental in creating an unforgettable experience.
“Escape the Doc” achieved its objectives with flying colors. It fostered teamwork, provided cultural insights through Halloween themes, offered a respite from academic pressures, and introduced the concept of escape rooms to a captivated audience. Furthermore, the collaboration with the Rotaract Club of OPJGU strengthened bonds and sparked innovative ideas for designing escape rooms in our respective venues.
In a world where the ordinary can be mundane, “Escape the Doc” proved that venturing into the unknown, facing challenges together, and emerging victorious creates lasting memories. The resounding success of this project leaves us eagerly awaiting the next thrilling adventure that awaits us all.