Why Not Quidditch?

In keeping with the Olympic spirit, I thought I would reflect a little bit about a sport that I whole heartedly believe should be added to the roster of sporting events in the summer games…QUIDDITCH!

One of the complaints often voiced by Olympics haters is that the sports played are too obscure and seem made up. Sure, LeBron James gets to play basketball in China, but who cares about team handball, modern pentathlon, and shooting? Is shooting even a sport? Come on people!

Why not Quidditch? It's the wizarding world's favorite sport, played in most successful book series of all time...duh! Think about it! The excitement! The terror! The broomsticks! The wizardry! Who wouldn’t watch world-class Quidditch players in action?

Okay, okay…Sure, a lack of magic might make this game a tough one to reenact in Beijing's Olympic Stadium, but land-bound Quidditch is already being played by numerous New England colleges (they even have an Intercollegiate Quidditch World Cup!), and imagine if world-class athletes got in the game? As an added bonus, the U.S. would probably always take home to gold, seeing that we are the only nation with advanced jetpack technology.

Muggle Quidditch would be played quite similarly to what has been adopted by colleges in the U.S. The game involves a volleyball, playing the part of the Quaffle, that must be thrown through one of three hoops – hula-hoops perhaps? - posted on each end line of the pitch to earn points. Beaters on each team throw bludgers – imagine red rubber dodge balls - to distract members of the opposing team. And then there's the Snitch, who, if caught, is worth 50 points and automatically ends the game.

Also vital to the game are the Quidditch robes – rest assured that capes would be a required. And, as in the Potter books, a Quidditch match is no Quidditch match without the play-by-play announcing. So, only the best would be allowed to call the plays at Olympic-level Quidditch. Me, perhaps?

So, how simple is that? All you need are a few balls, some hoops, all star athletes and you’re on your way to create some magic for the whole world to enjoy. If the simplicity isn’t enough to convince the International Olympic Committee, than how about all the great teams we’ll get to cheer on? The Hungary Hungary Hippogriffs, the Wild Whizbangs, the Harrowing Hinkypunks, and the Whirling Wasps among the many others.

Let the games begin!