I don't know how you feel, you who are participating, and you who are watching this contest with interest.

Me, myself, I feel sad when someone quits and I feel happy when someone succeeds , whoever it is.

What about collaboration as a collective challenge to finish the projects?

Finishing a project is an award in itself whether you do it on your own or when gain it by additional help from others.

Maybe, using the beginning week as the challenge of finishing?

I'm sorry that I can't help, so this is just an idea from a backseat in the audience room.