01/09/2024
| Hogwarts in Middlebury!
Mentioning quidditch, the first thing that comes to minds is Harry Potter's novels. Now that’s cool and all, but you know what would be even cooler? Quidditch being a real-life sport! In 2005 a bunch of students in Middlebury College in Vermont, USA created a real-life version of Quidditch which they started calling Quadball since 2022, they replaced the flying magic broomsticks with normal broomsticks, and the magic balls with normal balls. The game starts with all the players other than the seeker on the starting line, then the referee whistles to let the players run towards the two Bludgers (which the beaters throw at the other players) and the quaffle (which they use to score). The golden snitch is then released after 17 minutes from the start of the game, and at the 18 minutes mark, the seekers run after the snitch. If you are wondering how would the snitch run from the seekers without magic being involved? The golden snitch is replaced by a person with a mark on them, the seeker’s role is to catch that person before the other seeker to automatically gain 30 points and end the game.
There is a full-on association called the International Quadball Association with 19 countries being full members of it and 15 associate members and 5 areas of interest with a tournament including the 39 countries held every year since 2007. The IQA World Cup is more than just another sports event; it is truly a Quadball phenomenon. Hosted once every two years, it completely transforms a nation for a few weeks: the host city venues reverberate with athletes, fans, and enthusiasts of the sport from all over the world. There is anticipation hanging in the air when national teams, as prescribed by the handbook of their respective Quadball associations, descend upon the host country. Marked by the peak of physical conditioning and strategic brilliance, these athletes will not only represent their nations but also years of dedication on the pitch. The history of the World Cup is relatively young, dating back to 2012 with the aptly named "Summer Games”.
🖊 Writer: Ayman El-Shazly
📝 Editor: Seif Eldeen Haytham
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