Hate sports? No sweat. You can still enjoy the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games without having to learn the rules to water polo. Sarah Botelho explains.
You’ve seen the signs along the highways. You’ve heard the cautionary traffic warnings on the radio. You may have even accidentally walked through the city’s torch relay. So you’ve probably heard: the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games are finally almost here.
For some Canadians, this is a great opportunity to show pride for our athletes and city alike. But others will spend this month-long extravaganza confused by the hustle and bustle, trying desperately to will themselves into watching a game for more than five minutes. Worry not, Netflix enthusiasts: Vv Magazine is here to lend a helping hand. Here is the official non-athletic person’s guide to the 2015 Pan Am Games.
1) Use this as an opportunity to work out
Chill. We don’t mean heading straight to the gym and pumping some iron. This is a sneaky way to get yourself working out in the comfort of your own home. Pick a sporting event (something that at least somewhat interests you) and tell yourself that every time a game of that sport airs, you’ll do something active while you watch it. Not only will you get powered up by seeing everyone on screen breaking a sweat, but if you’re forced to keep up with an event consistently, eventually you’ll want to see who wins. And you won’t find out unless you start working on your fitness.
2) Make it a drinking game
What do you get when you mix a hot summer day, some background TV and Molson? A prime setting for a drinking game, that’s what. If you’re not actually that enthused by the games, make it fun. Here’s a pretty in-depth way to create your own Beer Olympics. Or you could just drink every time you see someone on screen wearing a maple leaf.
3) Embrace the lesser-known sports of the Pan Am Games
You may be sitting there thinking, “I’ll never be an athlete.” But, think again. Did you know bowling is part of the Pan Am Games? You’ve bowled, right? There you go. You’re half-way there. Shooting and table tennis are also among the less popular events. So get practicing. Maybe we’ll see you at the next tournament.
4) Prolong your Pride
Did you somehow miss out on the 2015 Pride despite our awesome guide? Look no further: Pride House TO is turning Church Street and Barbara Hall Park into free public stages, featuring licensed gardens (read: alcohol) and interactive sports games to support the LGBTQ community and celebrate the Pan Am Games. Get ready to get your groove on, because there’s going to be a lot of dancing.
5) Try the non-sports-related events
Yes, there’ll be a ton of sports matches. But there’s also a copious amount of festivals you can attend. They’re calling it PANAMANIA and it’s a 35-day arts and culture festival, featuring more than 250 unique performances and exhibitions of music, theatre, dance, visual arts and fashion. Mariana’s Trench, Jan Arden and Chromeo are just a few of the acts set to perform at Nathan Phillips Square so check it out!
6) Skip town
Maybe the city hype is just too much for you to handle. Take this as an opportunity for Ontario to be Yours To Discover. Lots of neighbouring cities are going to be having their own Pan Am celebrations on smaller scales. Go visit that great aunt up in Whitby or take a staycation on the lakeshore of beautiful Burlington. There are heaps of concerts, parades and showcases for you to explore.
So there you have it: a way to enjoy the 2015 Pan Am Games without really having to pay much attention to sports. Just fake it ’til you make it, and in a month, you can go back to being that fun-loving couch potato you are at heart.
Related Link: The hottest athletes coming to the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games
How will you be enjoying the 2015 Pan Am Games? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.