World Association of Spades
Our Journey
About The World Association of Spades.....
The idea for The World Association of Spades (TWAS) was by divine intervention
in 1998 and formally organized in early 2007. We had an overwhelming desire to
bringing family, friends, and community together by the rebirth of a dying art form
that was very prevalent throughout the ethnic community. We felt that the game
of Spades would be the catalyst that would enhance our daily lives through
socializing with other within our communities, from other regions locally and
nationally.
Our goal is to plan the most thorough and well organized tournaments which will
harvest friendship that will last a lifetime. In doing so, we hope that all
participants and observers will walk away with lasting memories for years to
come and want to become a part of the tradition.
In its infancy stage, The World Association of Spades’ goal is to establish a
reputation of consistency, professionalism, while making sure that all participants
grow socially and gain as much wisdom and knowledge of the game of Spades.
FOUNDER’S DECLARATION
As a Professional in the Engineering Field, I have had my fair share of challenges both in my career and general lived experiences. Having endured said trials, I found myself yearning to affect a positive difference – like that I witnessed throughout my life by way of my late father William Matthew
DeBarr Jr. aka “Coach” DeBarr.
Tasked with providing oversite and staff supervision on numerous multi-million-
dollar projects across the United States, I have had the satisfaction of a great salary
and successfully meeting deadlines on monumental projects. Content within my
chosen career path, I, however, found myself lacking complete fulfilment with other
aspects of my life. As such I began to explore the origins of that seemingly growing
void. Upon deep retrospection, I discovered a tremendous longing to positively
impact the lives of others -the “how” was my dilemma…. After a process of
profound reflection, I began listening to and watching a number of self-help and
personal improvement radio and television broad casts. None of these mediums
resolved the quandary. I explored even deeper, ultimately reminiscing on my
adolescent years and some of the pastimes I enjoyed in my youth…. After
considerable thought and having eliminated sports because I wanted to reach a
wider array of individuals of both genders, playing cards rushed my memory – more
specifically- SPADES!
Spades - a recognized competitive game of intellectual banter and cognitive
diligence involves critical thinking in a number of domains, to include strategically
calculating points with a partner based upon assessment of thirteen (13) individual
cards received during a challenge round - stirred a gratifying sense of nostalgia. It is
a fun-filled activity individuals of nearly any age or gender can participate in
regardless of socio-economic background. Thus, in March 2007, I embarked on the
personal endeavor of establishing a platform to implement my developed vision:
World Association of Spades (WAOS)!
Our Team
William M. DeBarr, III
Founder & CEO
Angel DeBarr
Tournament Coordinator
Our values
“Organized with Excellence. Played with Purpose. Remembered for a Lifetime.”
This Is Us In Numbers
$76k+
Tournament Winning
$150k+
Donations
19
Years of Experience
10
Business Partners