With their quick-thinking and their unmatched agility and cunning, the Desert Scarabs took to Yooyuball like Gebs to sand. It wasn’t long before word got out that they were joining Team Lost Desert during their practices, and soon those practices evolved into exhibition matches that anyone could watch (or join!) for free. Since then, the Lost Desert’s Yooyuball team has exploded in popularity, and some days hundreds of Neopets will show up to watch their practices!

One side benefit of their newfound popularity is that donations have started pouring in from all over the desert. Team Lost Desert no longer has to rely on the secret fundraising that initially forged their connection to the Desert Scarabs – but they have never forgotten the kindness of their friends, and have indeed made efforts to pay it forward.

“I can see how much Yooyuball helped the Desert Scarabs,” team captain Leera Heggle said. “They really seem to feel a sense of belonging now. I’ve noticed it in some of the Neopets that join in on our exhibition games, too. And that’s why we’ve decided to put the unprecedented amount of donations we’ve received toward opening a foundation that will make Yooyuball more accessible for everyone.”

Since his statement, Heggle and his team’s foundation has helped to provide funding for a children’s Yooyuball league, has sponsored a program to provide healthy snacks and sports drinks to registered Yooyuball teams, and has purchased and donated equipment to smaller, more casual leagues. “It’s just the beginning,” Heggle promised as he handed out water bottles to a gaggle of excited young Neopets. “Our foundation is small right now, but if we can grow it… Maybe we can help Neopia as a whole, too.”