If you've read the Harry Potter series, or have a child that has, you probably know all about the high-flying wizard game known as Quidditch. While the Muggle version of Quidditch doesn't involve flying brooms, it still makes for a fun and fascinating spectacle.
US Quidditch (USQ) is bringing the 2018 Northwest Regional Championship to Lacey, Washington in partnership with Experience Olympia & Beyond. The tournament will be held at Lacey Thurston Regional Athletic Complex, and will welcome three community teams from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to compete on the regional stage on February 17-18, 2018. Admission is free to the public, and the top team will qualify for US Quidditch Cup 11, to be held in Round Rock, Texas on April 14-15, 2018.
Quidditch is a full contact, competitive, mixed gender sport inspired by the Harry Potter series. It began in 2005 and has since spread to over 300 colleges, high schools and community teams across the nation. There are collegiate and community teams throughout the country, and the teams compete over a year long season.
Played with seven players to a team, each person is mounted on a broom, and players score points with the quaffle (a volleyball) and the snitch. In this non-magical version of the game, contrary to the books, the snitch is a neutral yellow clad athlete who tries to avoid capture—similar to flag football.
Want to try the sport for the first time? USQ will be teach youth quidditch both Saturday and Sunday to elementary, middle, and high school students. Advanced sign-up is not required; just stop by the HQ tent on-site.
WHAT: Northwest Regional Quidditch Championship featuring three teams and 60 athletes from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington competing to be the regional champion. The top team will also qualify for US Quidditch Cup 11.
WHEN: February 17-18, 2018. Games will start on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Saturday Schedule:
10:00am – Rain City Raptors vs. Cascadia Quidditch
11:10am – Nomads vs. Cascadia Quidditch
12:20pm – Nomads vs. Rain City Raptors
1:30pm – Rain City Raptors vs. Cascadia Quidditch
2:10pm – Break, Youth Quidditch Instruction
3:10pm – Nomads vs. Cascadia Quidditch
4:20pm – Nomads vs. Rain City
Sunday Schedule:
9:00am – Nomads vs. Cascadia Quidditch
10:10am – Rain City Raptors vs. Cascadia Quidditch
11:20am – Nomads vs. Rain City Raptors
WHERE: Lacey Thurston Regional Athletic Complex, 8345 Steilacoom Rd SE, Olympia
OTHER DETAILS: The event is free and open to the public. Food and US Quidditch merchandise will be available to purchase on-site.
