Alsask’s life-size fooseball = life-sized fun
By Joan Janzen
Alsask’s life-sized foosball competition returned to the community on Saturday, June 10th, at the Alsask Recreation Centre. There may not have been an abundance of spectators, but there was a bunch of fun to be had by all who watched and participated. The action kicked off at 3:00 p.m. when six teams took up the challenge. Each team of six had registered a week beforehand and paid the required registration fee.
Photos by Joan Janzen, click for larger images
The event was put on by the Alsask Community Club. Club member Sarah Wilke explained that throughout the past five years of competition, the teams were divided into an adult division and a young people’s division. “This year, we ran our divisions together because of lower enrolment,” she said, “It’s a tricky time of year; everything’s on this weekend.” However, the event had as many as seventeen teams registered in previous years.
People from Alsask and Marengo entered teams, and a few former residents returned to Alsask to participate in the fun. Everyone and anyone was eligible to enter a team. Sarah noted it’s a fun event that doesn’t require a lot of skill other than hanging on to some pipe and kicking your feet. But there are rules to the game.
“It can be aggressive depending on what team you’re on. We did develop rules over the years,” she said, listing the rules. “You can’t turn around. You have to stay on the bar, and no steel-toed boots are allowed. Someone from the outside has to throw in the ball; other than that, it’s pretty much a free for all.”
The event was held outdoors, behind the recreation centre. Fortunately, it was a beautiful, sunny day, but even if it had rained, the event would have taken place. And the five members of the Community Club did a great job of hosting the event, which included beer gardens and food provided by Herbal Twist Tea Room & Cafe.
No admission fee was required for spectators who came to check it out and witness life-size foosball in action. “Lots of people think it’s fun,” Sarah said. And it’s all for a great cause, as the funds go towards operating the recreation centre and events in the town.
The final game was played at 8:00 p.m., but everyone was invited to stay and visit at the beer gardens afterwards.