Let’s Move with Olympic Sports

If ever there was a time to be inspired to start moving, this is it. The show many sporting opportunities. Whether you like watching soccer or swimming, badminton or beach volleyball, the Summer Olympics show a grand variety of activities that can inspire and open our eyes. In the nice weather of a Connecticut summer, you need only look outside to see that you too can participate in the sport of your choice. I am making a few suggestions here but you can use your imagination and local resources to try those activities that have always seemed elusive.

Canoeing/Kayaking - You don’t need to be on a sculling team to try these out. You can rent kayaks or canoes on the shoreline and even join kayak enthusiasts in the area to learn the best places to paddle. The many tributaries down to the Sound as well as the Sound itself, offer fun and scenic experiences just waiting for those with a sense of adventure.

Badminton or Bocce- these are simple inexpensive games you can set up in your yard or if you need others to play with did you know there is a Branford Badminton club? The Italian-American club has a Bocce club. While Bocce Ball is not an Olympic sport it is a lawn game that can be played by people age 3 to 103.

Equestrian - Horseback riding has become increasingly more available in this area. It has a higher excitement level than bocce or badminton.  There are qualified riding schools within a short drive and it is more affordable than you think. While many think this maybe only for the young, there are many seniors who ride horses (check-out Hiroshi Hoketsu, the 72-yr-old Olympian in equestrian).

Cycling - Bicycles are very popular right now and the local bike shops can help you find the right ride as well as clubs that ride on weekdays or week-ends.

Athletics and Swimming - The US Track and Field Association of America in Connecticut has a website that shows events for youth as well as adults (Masters) that include road races, track races and events from the 100 meter dash to High Jump, Triple Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put, and Discus.  Swimming also has clubs and competitions through YMCAs and schools for adults and youth.

• archery
• badminton,
• basketball,
• beach volleyball,
• boxing,
• canoe/kayak
• cycling
• diving
• equestrian
• fencing
• field hockey
• gymnastics
• handball
• judo
• modern pentathlon
• rowing
• sailing
• shooting
• soccer/football
• swimming
• synchronized swimming
• table tennis
• taekwondo
• tennis
• track and field
• triathlon (swimming, biking, running)
• volleyball
• water polo
• weightlifting
• wrestling

These are all opportunities out there looking for new memberships.  If any sport interests you or just happens to be on your bucket list, maybe you should invest a little research and you just may find an activity that strikes the right chord with you.