Tiddlywinks is the perfect school sport
Now that the new year has begun and newly constituted school boards are in place, I anticipate a new wave of discussions about school sports – facilities, amenities, funding and coaches. Before things become contentious, let me make a plea for a new sport, one that can be co-ed, requires only some time and space on a cafeteria table, can utilize volunteer coaches or none at all, yet develops hand/eye coordination, builds self-esteem, determination, solidarity and competitive spirit. We can deal with classifying the sport, giving it some official status and uniforms (T-shirts) later. For now, let me just say tiddlywinks.
Yes, tiddlywinks, “an indoor game played on a flat felt mat with sets of small discs called ‘winks,’ a pot which is the target and a collection of squidgers, which are also discs.” It is a strategic game which calls into play squopping to cover the opponents winks and is played according to the rules of the North American Tiddlywinks Association, which conducts major tournaments. On to fundraising!
I look forward to hearing the click of winks and the “good shot,” well played” shouts of nearby cheerleaders.
Jay Jarrell
McMurray