Looking to stay in shape? Want to meet new people? Join one of Nanaimo’s recreational sports leagues.
There are a number of rec leagues in the city and participants and organizers are always ready to preach of their virtues.
Colin McCartie coaches and plays on the Crushers of the Coal Miners Baseball League, a recreational baseball league in its second year, and for him, it’s an opportunity to bond with his son, Josh.
“My son and I are playing on the same team, he’s the catcher. Last year, I got to pitch to him – I play pitcher and first base – so we were a pitcher/catcher duo,” said Colin. “It was really satisfying for me and it turned out that it became contagious ... we now have a bunch of father/son combos that have joined the league in the expansion teams.”
Steve Seriani, a Crushers’ infielder, said he played baseball growing up and is happy to be playing again.
“You build great relationships and we’ve got a good, solid group of guys here and we’re just building friendships and there’s new guys coming every year,” said Seriani. “The more people, the more friends, the better the league gets.”
Jordan Reems and Jas Shahi, organizers of Nanaimo 7 Aside Soccer, say there is a need for such leagues in Nanaimo.
“People are looking for social activity in Nanaimo and I think that we’re bringing that to the community and it’s been our goal just to make it for people that are new to town or looking just to get out and be active. That’s kind of our focus, is to make a place for everybody that’s welcome and looking to play some soccer,” said Reems.
“A lot of friendships are built with your own team and opponents ... it’s very friendly out there. We have a social each week and people get together, have an adult beverage together and it’s just fun,” said Shahi.
Leif and Jenn Bogwald, husband and wife, play on a 7 Aside soccer team together, and on top of playing the beautiful game, they consider game night date night.
“We have a babysitter lined up every Wednesday. It’s our night out,” Jenn says.
Kings of the Court recreation basketball league is currently in offseason mode, but it gives ballers 20-40 years of age a chance to shoot hoops between November and March. Faress Barraquias, league manager, says it offers players a chance to exercise, meet new people and engage in friendly competition, adding it’s humbling to see younger players sometimes.
“The game has changed a little bit. All the younger guys are faster, better and more capable, more athletic, but you know, all these old guys are still very competitive, like myself. We like to teach the younger guys some lessons.”