Off the big screen and onto the field: Quidditch comes to Kelowna

By Cole Deakin

KELOWNA – If you’ve heard of Harry Potter, you’ve probably heard of Quidditch. It’s a high-intensity, full-contact sport played while flying on brooms.

Now, a more down-to-earth version of the game is gaining popularity in Canada and the United States, and players are taking the game from the big screen and onto the field.

Nine Quidditch teams from Canada and the United States gathered in Kelowna this weekend to face-off against each other in a grueling battle for the ultimate title.

“I love Quidditch because there’s so much going on at the same time,” said Tournament Director Jillian Staniec. “I always thought that sports were boring… turns out, I just get board when there is only one thing going on.”

In this sport, there are always five balls on the field at any given time. And if you’ve watched the movie, you’d probably recognize the small yellow ball called the Snitch. In the “real-life” game, the

Snitch is played by a real person – they’re even certified through Quidditch Canada.

“It can be really hard,” said Marcus Toomey. “You’re dodging in and out, you’re looking at different angles and you’re trying to figure out how to get around.”

But the most unique part of this game is that all players are required to play on makeshift broomsticks.

Teams are required to pass, shoot, score and defend their net all while being tackled. This sport is full-contact and the paramedics have a tent to the side, just in case.

“Yes it’s full contact… it’s a lot of fun,” said Staniec.

“It adds another dynamic to the sport” said Indiana Nikel. “You can’t just charge down the field… you’re going to get stopped.”

If you show up to the field, it’s easy to see that the players are dedicated, but so are the spectators that come to watch. One spectator at yesterday’s match drove all the way from Seattle.

There is no official team in Kelowna yet, but some say that it’ll only be a matter of time. Organizers of this weekend’s tournament say it’s simple to start a team – all you need is an organizer and a few players.

If you’re interested in starting a team, more information can be found on quidditchcanada.com.