The World Cup Of Quidditch Making Its Way To NYC

Quidditch is not just a plot point for the Harry Potter books; it has become a legitimate sport.  The World Cup Of Quidditch is coming to NYC!

Believe it or not, there are over 60 different teams from high schools and universities across the country that are participating in next weekend's 4th Annual Quidditch World Cup, held at De Witt Clinton Park in New York City.  Even prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale, M.I.T, Penn State and Duke will be in attendance, and they even count quidditch as an extracurricular activity.

There is currently even a campaign for the NCAA to recognize the sport by University of Maryland Student, Valerie Fischman.  Even though it may be a long shot that the sport will gain the recognition desired, there is obviously a major following by sports and Harry Potter fans alike.  

Here is a run down of how Quidditch is played from NPR.

Quidditch players have to thread several other hoops to make theirs an NCAA sport. There must be official quidditch clubs at a minimum of 50 colleges across the country. Then, athletic directors from those colleges must individually petition the NCAA. It’s a process that could take years — if it happens at all. Fischman admits it’s not an easy task. She’s hoping for help from her university’s athletic department — as well as the International Quidditch Association. That’s right, there’s an International Quidditch Association

Check out these pictures to get an idea of the the game:

I used to make fun of my Fraternity brothers for fashioning light sabers and reenacting scenes from Star Wars. I actually think this is pretty cool and I owe some people an apology.  

Do you think Quidditch deserves the recognition of the NCAA?