It’s not just for witches and wizards!
Sitting on a train from King’s Cross Station to Arbroath, Scotland, J.K. Rowling set out to write a series of fiction novels about a wizard named Harry. No one could have anticipated the mark her magical characters would have on the culture of the next generation.
Not only have Rowling’s books instilled a love of reading in children and adults alike. They have also given rise to an innovative new sport: Quidditch.
This co-ed, full contact sport plays out as a hybrid between rugby, European handball, and dodgeball. And all with a broom between your legs Positional captain Sam Chomyc was one of the first members of the inaugural Guelph Quidditch program, founded in 2011 by Laura Brown.“I think Quidditch started out as a haven for these awkward nerd-jock hybrids who didn’t have any way to express themselves,” Chomyc told The Ontarion, “but we’re a lot more competitive now.”
The program has grown to include two 24-person rosters: University of Guelph Quidditch (GQ) and Royal City Quidditch (RC).
This haven has been home for many players throughout the years, including Tia Julien, a fifth year GQ player. “This sport offers a diversified pool of incredible people from various athletic backgrounds with a support network unlike any other sport I’ve ever participated in,” said Julien.
However, it’s clear that this inclusive team still knows how to intensify on the pitch. Riley Andrews-Dwyer, a third year GC team member, conveyed this by saying: “It’s a great way for people to still have a competitive sporting experience without being on a varsity team.”
Both Gryphon clubs will be heading to Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton to compete in the 2018 National Championships from March 31 to April 1. This event is set to be the largest one in Quidditch Canada history, with 17 teams attending from across the country.
RC player, Aiden Gould, expressed excitement about the wide repertoire of competitors. “A lot of our players have never experienced the playing style of western teams, so making sure we stay on our toes will be fun,” Gould explained. Sean Castillo, also an RC athlete, reiterated, “Every tournament has its own energy flows — we just have to keep it light and have fun.” Castillo also clarified that the intensity for both teams will be very high.
As a J.K. Rowling fan, it’s surreal to think that this all started with some books; seven books to be exact.
Although Rowling’s work is now only a small part of what Guelph Quidditch stands for, the Harry Potter series still means something for some players, like RC member Nick Marinac, who will keep the books with him for a lifetime. “I have read the Harry Potter series way too many times,” Marinac explained. “And I will read it to my children.”
Photos by Alora Griffiths/The Ontarion