Column: Sporting Around Ottawa
Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 9:41AM I’ve heard it before, people reminiscing about playing sports in high school, telling their grossly exaggerated stories of how they dominated other schools in basketball or soccer or hockey. For many of us, playing organized high-school sports is one of the fondest memories of our youth. There is a common misperception, however, that after high school, it’s over. I`m here to tell you that it doesn`t have to be. Many people don’t realize that they can relive their memories in the countless organized sports leagues across the city.
Many organizations across Ottawa are perfect for those of us who never lost the itch for competitive sports, but believed the opportunities left when they got their high-school diploma. Volleyball, hockey, basketball, soccer, softball and even dodgeball; nearly every sport imaginable is available to play in organized leagues and can be found with a simple Google search.
Admittedly, I was one of those people who continued to reminisce about my glory days of playing sports competitively throughout high school. I had the opportunity to play in a couple intramural leagues while in university, but rather than satisfy my itch, it only made me miss it more. It wasn`t until I moved to Ottawa in April of last year that I discovered the great sporting opportunities available in the city.
The Ottawa Sport and Social Club (OSSC) and Ottawa Sport Plus (OSP) are fantastic organizations that offer regular sport leagues for people of all skill levels in every season. The variety of sports isdetermined by the season and include beach and court volleyball, floor and ice hockey, Frisbee, softball and soccer, to name a few. Each league is held on different nights of the week, Monday through Friday, and range from beginner skill level to competitive. Both the OSSC and OSP are offered at the co-ed level, requiring a certain number of each gender, depending on the sport. The cost to join a sports league in Ottawa varies from sport to sport as there are sometimes greater expenses (renting an ice pad or gym, etc.) but they tend to be very affordable and for most sports hover around the $100 range and run for an average of four to five months.
Leagues such as the OSSC and OSP are also fantastic ways to stay in shape. A common complaint for people struggling to stay fit is that going to the gym can be tedious. Running on a treadmill and lifting weights are undoubtedly great for the body, but there is only so much an iPod can do for the boredom. Combining great exercise with the competition and mental awareness needed to participate in an organized sport is an excellent way to stay fit and have fun doing it.
As the OSSC`s name suggests, these leagues are not solely for keeping a competitive edge and maintaining good health. They are just as much social as they are athletic clubs. Sporting leagues are an excellent way to get out and meet new people, something I thought very valuable when I was new to Ottawa and began to play. Typically, leagues offer the choice to sign up as a team of friends or as an individual. League facilitators combine individual registrants to form a team of strangers. Teams quickly develop relationships with each other and other teams and, in many cases, leagues offer discounts at local establishments, like pubs and restaurants, where people can continue new relationships outside of sports. Since moving to Ottawa, I have made many new friends through the OSSC and OSP, friendships that have continued outside of the gym.
The OSSC and OSP is certainly not an exhaustive list of the great sporting opportunities around the city. There are many organized leagues within Ottawa at your local college or university, fitness centre or sportsplex. School gymnasiums are even available to rent to create your own competitive games. The benefits of joining a sports league, whether it is recreational or competitive, are outstanding. Not only do you get great exercise and meet many great people with similar interests, but if you are like me and so many others and wonder what ever happened to that kid you used to be who thrived on the competition of sports in high-school, it’s nice to know that that person is easy to find.
Reader Comments (1)
I can totally relate this. I was a part of a military family so when I moved to Ottawa, organised sports helped me get to know some people. I’ve been playing soccer for about 14 years so I automatically joined up. I miss it too much even if I miss out on just one season of soccer.
I go through 2 leagues OSU (summer) and OCFL (winter). It’s a nice way to get out of the house and avoid the boring scene of a gym.