Some of the country’s best dodgeball players converged in Waterloo this weekend for the sport’s inaugural national championships. The two-day event marked a major milestone for Dodgeball Canada, which has been operating for nearly a decade. “Dodgeball Canada has been an organization for almost ten years,” said Marc Cizravi with Dodgeball Canada. “We have a lot of club teams coming together to play our nationals every year. Our membership grew to the point where we have so much participation, we wanted to support provincial sport organizations.” With each province now able to sustain its own program, about 150 athletes from five provinces — Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia — competed for the national title. Five men’s and five women’s teams faced off at Rim Park, with matches lasting 40 minutes and as many points played as possible within that time. “There’s far more strategy than you’d imagine that comes down to dodgeball,” Cizravi said. “You’ve got a pressure; you’ve got a posture with your opponent. There’s blocking and dodging and catching. There are a lot of different ways of and hitting a lot of different ways to get your opponent out. There are many, many layers of strategy at all different levels of the game.” Athletes of all experience levels took part, from newcomers to seasoned players. “I played in college. I was lucky enough to be introduced to the community fairly early for the sport,” said Ontario athlete Lisa Morra. “And then from there, it kind of took off — Toronto specifically. A really great community, very encouraging and very inclusive." Ontario men’s head coach Victor Gravili said the game attracts athletes from a variety of backgrounds. “It’s a really good outlet for those that are looking for a new competition outlet. And not necessarily playing in their own primary sport,” he said. Organizers said the sport has evolved far beyond what most remember from high school gym class, combining strategy, speed and athleticism while maintaining a strong sense of camaraderie. “Our motto is you know the game. Now it’s time to meet the sport,” Cizravi said. Ontario captain Kenley Croft said it’s an intense sport that demands everything from its players. “You are doing the most unruly things to your body. It is insane,” Croft said. “You’re getting smoked in the face, you’re dragging across the floor. There’s really nothing like it. This sport is amazing.” For many, competing in the first national championship was about more than just the scoreboard. “I’ve had the honour of coaching Team Canada and coaching many other events,” Gravili said. “So to do something for the first time this late in your career is always exciting.” Cizravi said the organization’s goal is to continue growing the sport and making it accessible to everyone. “It doesn’t matter how old, what shape, what experience we all are. Dodgeball welcomes everybody and anybody can play,” he said.
