Open to all students, there are weekly pick-up games located at the new Lakeshore gymnasium in the new building “A”, near the intersection of Lakeshore Blvd and Twenty-Second Street.
Mondays is pickleball, Tuesdays is basketball, Wednesdays is soccer, Thursdays is volleyball and cricket, finally Fridays is badminton. All games start at 3 p.m. and run for at least two and a half hours according to the pick-up schedule. On Thursdays, volleyball ends at 7:30 and cricket starts at 8
Ceilidh Pate is a third year student in creative advertising and works at the gymnasium and fitness centre.
She was supervising the volleyball drop-in games on Thursday. “Everyone who comes here is really nice and considerate. It’s self sufficient, they do their own thing. If they have questions or need help with the equipment then I’m here to help out. It goes pretty smoothly,” Pat says.
This is Pate’s second year working some shifts during the drop-in games and worked some shifts supervising at the old gym. She says she likes the new gym with new floors, equipment and brighter lights.
Out of a dozen students I spoke to, all agree it’s a great way to meet new people outside of studies. They come to have fun and take a break from schoolwork. It doesn’t matter if you’re alone or with a group of friends, the pick-up sports program is a welcoming environment whether you’re a beginner or have been playing sports all your life.
Linus Kimani is a second-year student in the protection, security and investigation program. Originally from Kenya, Linus says soccer runs in his family so he attends Wednesdays games regularly. “All work without play makes jack a dull boy. When I’m done with soccer, I can go home and my mind is open, I can do my assignments well. I feel refreshed, take a cold shower and then I get into the books. It helps me a lot.” Linus can’t commit fully to joining the Humber Hawks varsity team, so the drop-in games are a perfect way to continue his athletic passion.
For the most part, the students I spoke with benefit from the drop-in schedule, but it still leaves out students who may have evening classes. If you’re available and haven’t been to a drop-in, be sure to try out some games and take a break from studies!
