Writers at Sports Illustrated shared their “bucket list” of sports events – events they want to see before they die. That inspired me to share my own list.
I’m proud to say I’ve witnessed several exciting sports events in my life – White Sox-Mariners playoff game in 2000; the memorable “black-out” play-in game between the White Sox and Minnesota Twins last October; the 2006 World Figure Skating championships in Calgary; 2008 and 2009 national figure skating championships in St. Paul, Minn., and Cleveland; and the second round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the United Center in 2007. But there’s plenty more I want to see.
1. Kentucky Derby – Mint julep, anyone? I love a good horse race, and while I’ve been to Arlington Park Race course in suburban Chicago, it probably doesn’t compare to the tradition and excitement of the Derby.
2. Baseball World Series – I missed the opportunity to watch the White Sox in the 2005 Series, but I’m hoping for another chance.
3. Wimbledon – I watched a women’s pro tournament at the UIC Pavillion in the mid-90s, including Venus and Serena in a doubles match when they were mere teenagers. If I’m going to see a pro tournament, it might as well be the grandaddy of them all – Wimbledon.
4. NHL playoffs – With the Blackhawks reaching the Western Conference finals in the playoffs this year, my love of hockey has been reignited. With their young, talented team, there is no reason why the Hawks shouldn’t make a return trip to the playoffs over the next few seasons. The trick will be to get my hands on what is sure to be the hottest show in town.
5. Michael Phelps – As long as he continues to swim competitively, my desire to see him compete is alive and well.
6. Olympics in Chicago – If Chicago is named the host city for the 2016 Olympic Games, I will have a smorgasbord of events to choose from – diving, rowing, gymnastics, basketball. Even better would be to attend the opening ceremonies and the parade of nations.
7. Chicago Fire or Red Stars soccer – The Fire and Red Stars are Chicago’s two pro soccer teams (men’s and women’s soccer, respectively). I watched some soccer while attending a small college. The team was one of the best in the nation, having won eight NAIA titles in 13 seasons. I’m eager to see the Fire and Red Stars at Toyota Park.
8. WNBA – Rumor has it the WNBA is struggling and could be the next league to fold after the Arena Football League suspended operations last week. If that’s the case, then I should check out the improved Chicago Sky this season. Runner up: NBA playoff game featuring the Bulls. Again finding a ticket for the pro game is tricky.
9. Snowboarding – I was fascinated watching the snowboarding competition during the 2006 Torino Olympics on TV. These guys and gals look like they’re having a blast, and it must be even more fun to watch them in person.
10. Gymnastics – When I was in high school, I had to learn to do a routine on the balance beam and uneven parallel bars, and I’m not athletically inclined. I have a tremendous appreciation for what these young men and women do on these apparatuses.
Showing posts with label sports lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports lists. Show all posts
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Top 10 Bogus "Sports"
How many times have you tuned in to ESPN or some other sports network only to find some pseudo sport you didn’t expect to see? If you’re like me, you probably scratched your head and asked, “Why is this being covered on ESPN? What makes this a sport?”
Apparently, the sports writers at the Winnipeg Sun noticed what I did and came up with a list of their top 10 bogus sports. After reading their list, I felt inspired to create my own. These are not in any particular order. Feel free to agree or disagree.
Poker
Spelling bee
Food eating contests
Scrabble/chess/board games
Billiards
Dog sledding
Fishing
Paintball
Tractor pull
Auto racing
I think there’s an important distinction to be made here between sport and competition. What many of us refer to as sport is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “any activity done for enjoyment or pleasure, or an athletic game.” Under the first definition, you’d have to consider sex as a sport, wouldn’t you?
Competition, however, implies a contest where someone wins. It’s not necessarily an athletic activity either, such as a spelling bee. ESPN’s programming emphasizes competition, not sport per se. Perhaps they should change their tag line to read, “The Wide World of Competition?”
Apparently, the sports writers at the Winnipeg Sun noticed what I did and came up with a list of their top 10 bogus sports. After reading their list, I felt inspired to create my own. These are not in any particular order. Feel free to agree or disagree.
Poker
Spelling bee
Food eating contests
Scrabble/chess/board games
Billiards
Dog sledding
Fishing
Paintball
Tractor pull
Auto racing
I think there’s an important distinction to be made here between sport and competition. What many of us refer to as sport is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “any activity done for enjoyment or pleasure, or an athletic game.” Under the first definition, you’d have to consider sex as a sport, wouldn’t you?
Competition, however, implies a contest where someone wins. It’s not necessarily an athletic activity either, such as a spelling bee. ESPN’s programming emphasizes competition, not sport per se. Perhaps they should change their tag line to read, “The Wide World of Competition?”
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