I love sports, though I’m not especially talented at just
one. Admiring my older brother play hockey, I made up my mind that I was going
to play too. However, my lack of hand-eye coordination proved a minor handicap.
For a while I thought I was pretty good at soccer, but the professional dream
died when I was 15 and still playing house league. Next, I decided that I would
be perfect for varsity rowing: I’m competitive, a good swimmer (just in case
the boat tipped), and ridiculously enthusiastic even in the most hopeless of
situations. That ship sunk when I realized my weakness: I like sleeping too
much. So what’s a gal like me supposed to do for a little playful competition?
Then it donned on me: intramural sports!
McGill’s fifteen intramural leagues allow students, staff
and alumni of all calibers to get a bit sweaty and have a lot of fun. Last
semester I played on an indoor soccer team with a few friends and although I
was significantly less skilled than my teammates, I had a blast! Even though we
were playing in the lowest level, we showed up at every match in coordinated
t-shirts, running shoes laced up tight, and our game faces on. If you’re
thinking, “Well, I’ve never played any of these sports before, so I won’t sign
up,” then you are missing out on the purpose of intramurals. Our goalie had
never played soccer before and our captain had kicked a ball maybe twice in her
life. Your level of experience is irrelevant. The most important thing is your willingness
to try something new and your determination to have a great time!
Still not sold yet on joining an intramural team? That’s
cool. Consider maybe a pickup game of volleyball, badminton, basketball or
soccer. Squash and tennis courts are also available if you have a friend to
join you on the trek up to the Sports Complex. If you’re like me and prefer
winter sports, don’t fret! Before the outdoor rinks are set up and the cold
temperatures set in, check out the McConnell Arena for recreational skating and
shinny hockey. They even have regular timeslots for figure skating!
Just because you’re not a Redman or a Martlet, doesn’t mean
you’re a benchwarmer! Gather your friends, roommates, lab partners, and even
that guy who sits behind you in history class to create a team. Intramurals can be a great way to loosen up and make new friends. Also, the
winning team gets a championship mug!
Handy links:
McConnell Arena Schedule
Top 11 Things You Need to Know About the McGill Sports Complex
McGill Athletics - Recreation
Fun fact: One in five McGill students is on an intramural team! Are you one of them? Leave a comment below telling me your favourite thing about intramurals!
-Martlet Girl
