Archive for the ‘Sports’ Category

Saracens Pioneers

How exciting! I just got back from Wembley Stadium where I had the initial training to be part of the Saracens Pioneers Volunteer Programme. In total, there are 250 of us who will be match day volunteers starting next February when Saracens moves into their new rugby stadium at Allianz Park.

Our mission will be to help improve the spectator experience at Saracens home games through enhancing their family-orientated ethos. Thus, volunteers will be imbeded in all departments throughout the organization including: administration, advertising and promotions, community support, event production, hospitality, merchandise/retail, media, spectator services, ticketing and transportation. And the good news is that I was one of four selected for the media team. As this was a coveted position, I am beyond thrilled and feel extremely privileged.

So beyond motivated and now undergoing full immersion to improve my knowledge of rugby rules, players, teams, etc. It’s going to be tough, but the thought of being around all those buff beautiful men is inspiration enough. So let the fun times begin. I’ve finally found a London team to go GA GA over! :)

Should note that I found out about this opportunity via one of the Facebook groups for London 2012 Ceremonies Performers. In fact most of Saracen Pioneers are connected to London 2012 in some way. A good number were Games Makers but an even greater number were part of the Mayor’s London Ambassadors program. We are all doing our part to be part of the London 2012 legacy!

Rugby Union

I just spent a good hour watching a rugby union game and still can’t make heads or tails of the rules. It seems to be a bastardised version of American football — or perhaps it’s the other way around. Either way, it is the gayest sport ever. The men wear the tightest shortest shorts and just run around falling and grabbing all over each other.

June Madness

The dream has ended. First for the United States, then Ghana and now England. The World Cup 2006 is no more. It’s sad really, but in a way I’m glad it’s over. I went from watching no soccer, to watching almost every game in the World Cup. And those I didn’t watch, I read about. It got so intense, that at one point I was turning to the sports section first when I picked up the daily newspaper. This was quite unusual for me since I almost never read the sports section.
So will I watch the rest of the tournament? Perhaps. Mainly because it would be good to see things through to the end. Also, not being a fan of any of the teams left in the tournament (especially the Portuguese), will make the three remaining games easier to watch. Thinking I’ll do less screaming at the television. Not since the University of Michigan lost to North Carolina in the 1993 NCAA basketball tournament have I been so vested in a sporting event. I vowed never to get that involved again but things sort of snuck up on me. I suppose I just got caught up like most people here in London. But looking forward to things getting back to normal.

Instant-Relay

Despite the fact that I’m close to watching my 20th soccer game in this year’s World Cup, I am by no means yet an expert when it comes to the rules. However, what is abundantly clear is that they need to institute instant replay for controversial goals and plays — particularly in the knock-out stage. Considering that so much national pride is at stake, it seems stupid not to implement for fear it might disrupt the flow of the game.

Caught Up In World Cup Fever

In the last 10 days, I’ve watched about 12 World Cup matches. This is quite surprising, as prior to the start of the World Cup, I wasn’t really a fan of soccer. In fact, I thought it rather boring. However, there is something to be said for watching the best players across the globe represent their respective countries in what I now view as the worlds game. So can’t wait for the knock-out stage to begin, even though the US team probably won’t proceed afterThursdays game. I’m torn because I want them to beat Ghana, but I am also secretly hoping that Ghana wins. Mainly because Ghana is my team in the office sweepstake. Plus, they had a convincing victory over the Czech Republic who crushed the American team in their opener.