Quidditch on the Quad
The University of Alabama’s Creative Campus will host a World Cup Quidditch tournament on November 14, 2010 at the University of Alabama’s Quad from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m in collaboration with University Recreation, the Alabama International Relations Club, and the Honors College Assembly. Originally a fictional sport from J.K. Rowling's well-known “Harry Potter” book series, quidditch was modified into “ground quidditch" or "muggle quidditch” to be played in the real world. Creative Campus invited the student body to form teams representing different countries competing in the World Cup. The tournament will feature 47 registered teams representing the Law School, Chemical Engineers, Million Dollar Band, Capstone Men & Women, the Japan Club and more for over 490 players. The daylong event will celebrate the magic and uniting power of literacy with Harry Potter festivities, an international culture showcase, and a book drive benefitting the Alabama Literacy Initiative. Creative Campus interns have produced a video supporting the event that can be viewed online at http://www.vimeo.com/16175722. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.creativecampus.ua.edu or call 205/348-7884.
A preliminary round will be held on the University Recreation fields on Thursday, November 11 beginning at 9:00 p.m. Tournament teams will be following the rules and guidelines of the International Quidditch Association, (http://www.internationalquidditch.org/) which created the sport in 2005 at Middlebury College. The sport is a fast-paced combination of rugby, soccer, and volleyball, with participants holding a broomstick between their legs at all times. Players shoot "quaffles" (semi-deflated volleyballs) through gold-painted hula-hoops on sticks and have to avoid getting hit by "bludgers"(dodge balls). The snitch is a cross-country runner dressed from head-to-toe in gold and has free reign of the campus. Teams score points by shooting the quaffles and capturing the snitch. Teams are co-ed and are composed of 7-12 players. Games last about 30 minutes, with 7 players from each team on the field at a time.
To further promote literacy through this event Creative Campus is partnering with Honors College Assembly to host a book drive benefiting the Alabama Learning Initiative. Book drop-off locations will be located around campus and at the event. Teams and spectators are challenged to participate in the book drive. The team that collects the most books will receive special benefits in the tournament schedule. Donations on behalf of ALI will also be accepted and are tax deductible.
The Alabama International Relations Club is coordinating the teams in an effort to celebrate international culture through table displays from each of the 47 represented countries. Displays will include information about the country’s culture and specifically literature. Information will be available regarding UA’s Study Abroad program and more.
Under the auspices of UA's Office of Academic AffairsCreative Campusis a collaborative system connecting students, faculty, and community to nurture innovative thinkers who turn ideas into action. Creative Campus seeks to serve as a hub of collaboration and creative activity at The University of Alabama. At the heart of Creative Campus is the undergraduate and graduate intern program. For more information on Creative Campus visit www.creativecampus.ua.edu.
The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is experiencing significant growth in both enrollment and academic quality. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of Choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians
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Quidditch on the Quad REGISTRATION