Only qualification for 'Unemployment Olympics'? A pink slip

From Laurie Segall
CNN

NEW YORK (CNN) - Nearly 40 unemployed New Yorkers threw phones, smashed pinatas and played "pin the blame on the boss" Tuesday at the "Unemployment Olympics" in New York City.

Jobless participants gathered at Tompkins's Square Park in Manhattan's East Village for the event, created by recently laid-off computer software worker Nick Goddard. "It's just a lighthearted event for people to come out and have good time," Goddard, 26 told CNN.

Former employees, from laid-off hedge fund workers and bankers to people who lost advertising and entertainment jobs, competed in themed events such as the "race towards unemployment."

For those caught in the economic storm, the event offered a chance to get away from the reality of the job market and meet others in the same position. The only qualification for participation was a pink slip.