A magical sporting event will take place in Vernon this weekend.
The Polson Park oval will play host to witches and wizards for the Western Regional Quidditch Championship Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Quidditch, also known as quadball, is an adaptation of the sport from J.K. Rowling鈥檚 wildly popular Harry Potter book series, which also appeared on the big screen in the Harry Potter movie franchise.
There are several different positions in quidditch. The chasers throw a volleyball through one of the opposing team鈥檚 hoops to score 10 points for their team. The beaters throw one of three dodge balls at the opposing team to temporarily knock them out of play and make them return to their hoops. If a player is hit by a beater, they must drop the ball they are holding.
Meanwhile, the keepers are guarding their team鈥檚 hoops from the opposing chasers, and the seekers (Harry Potter鈥檚 position in the books and movies) are out trying to catch the yellow flag runner to score points, instead of a flying golden snitch. The flag runner is released at the 20-minute mark for regulation play, and from that point on there are two ways to end the game: either the snitch is caught or one team reaches a set score.
Quidditch for muggles (non-magic folks) has a unique set of rules that includes elements of rugby, basketball and dodgeball. A quidditch roster consists of 21 athletes with six to seven players per team on the field at any given time. Each end of the quidditch pitch has three hoops of varying heights which the chasers and keepers use to score points.
While the players won鈥檛 be flying above the ground like in the movies, each has to by mounted on a broom when in play.
The players will be competing for a spot at the Canadian nationals, with teams from Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver competing in round robin play.
As the event is taking place on Nov. 11, there will be a pause in action to recognize Remembrance Day.
Spectators are encouraged to dress up in Harry Potter costumes for the event. Food trucks will also be on site.
The event is hosted by Tourism Vernon and the Sport and Culture Society of the North Okanagan.
It鈥檚 the first time the Western Regional Championships is being held in the Okanagan.
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