Student Life


FEATURED ARTICLES           Wednesday, September 08, 2010                                Email to a Friend



Last updated: Monday, September 22nd, 2008

The dreaded freshman 15, the thrill of being a part of a team without the added pressure of a whole school of strangers expecting you to bring home a trophy, a new way to meet people - all of these things add up to your new favourite words: intramural sports, or alternative athletics.

Inner-Tube Water Polo: Yes, this game is exactly as it sounds. Inner tube water polo is traditional water polo, but with a new refreshing twist – you get to play in inner tubes. As an ex- water polo player, I can vouch for the intensity and physical strain that water polo entails. If you want a version of water polo that is more accessible to the general student body, inner tube water polo is the sport for you. This off the wall sport will introduce you to an array of students who are original and entertaining. Plus, what other activity do you get to splash around in a pool while claiming to be playing a sport?

Ultimate Frisbee: While this game has been steadily increasing its fan base over the last couple of years, it is still not the kind of sport that garners television coverage, scholarships and stadiums full of fans. What it does garner are people who love to be outdoors and who genuinely enjoy being active. While ultimate Frisbee may sound and look fun, which of course it is, do not be fooled. Running up and down fields while trying to throw and catch flying disks while avoiding or outrunning your opponents is not as easy as it looks. Ultimate Frisbee is a sport for students who enjoy friendly competition, the outdoors and a fun excuse to play a childhood favourite.

Dodge Ball: Thanks to Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn, dodge ball is no longer a fun game to play in gym class. Dodging, spinning, running and hurtling balls at opponents are all skills true dodge ball players must encompass. Dodge ball is a great intramural to play to meet people, because who doesn’t want to hurtle a ball once in a while? If you are quick and light-footed, dodge ball is definitely the sport you want to consider trying after getting back your first mid-term marks.

Finally, there is Table Tennis: Maybe not ever truly called a sport, table tennis is still a great intramural to play to meet people. This one-on-one sport uses hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes if you are ever to be named table tennis champion. So find the paddles, remove last night’s beer pong leftovers, and use that table tennis table the way it was intended!