Five Olympic Sports Having Their Moment, (And How You Can Try Them)

The Olympics are fascinating for many reasons -- not least because every four years millions are enthralled by sports, the rules of which they're not sure of and athletes of whom they've never heard. It's during these spikes in interest that sports not often in the spotlight attract new participants and the next generations of Olympians. With that in mind, we've decided to highlight sports that have taken off in the afterglow of the Olympics, how much they cost and how to get yourself or your kids involved.







1. Gymnastics
What young woman didn't want to be American gymnast Gabby Douglas after she dazzled the entire world somersaulting and leaping her way to Olympic gold. Gymnastics attendance has gone up -- waaay up -- after London 2012, according to Amanda Waram, director or TDot Tumblers Gymnastics Academy in Toronto. Waram calls gymnastics the "foundation sport" of all other sports. Kids will develop strength, flexibility, co-ordination and spatial awareness while learning to fall, land, jump, climb and swing safely.
How much?
Like a lot of sports, it depends on age but the price range is anywhere between about $120 - $237 for an eight week course running about an hour in length.
Where to start?
Most cities have academies like the TDot Tumblers in Toronto offering classes and can be found on line or try Gymnastics Canada (gymcan.org) for leads.

2. Archery
You can imagine that in the Middle Ages, the cool kids were the ones with the raddest bows and arrows. It's been a few hundred years but archery is cool again. There has been a recent surge of interest, not only from the Olympics but movies like The Hunger Games, Brave, and Snow White and the Huntsman, according to George Wagner, an archery expert and former owner of The Bow Shop in Waterloo, Ont. He says people are coming in and buying bows without ever having tried the sport. But if you do try it, Wagner says you can do it for life and it will help your hand/eye co-ordination. You'll also get exercise walking around an archery range, since some are akin to golf courses.
How much?
The cost starts at about $125 for a kids fiberglass bow, arm guard, glove and quiver. Depending on what archery range you go to, it's usually around $10-$15 an hour.
Where to Start?
You can hit an archery range or some stores, like The Bow Shop, have on site clubs. There are 3D archery ranges, where you shoot at 3D rubber animals (like fake hunting) or straightforward bulls-eye ranges. You could also contact Archery Canada (archerycanada.ca) for suggestions.

3. Olympic Weightlifting
If you or your kid has lots of energy and you need to channel it somewhere, maybe hoisting giant iron plates above your heads will do the trick. Larry Mather, a provincial coach in Alberta certified in Olympic weightlifting says inquiries about competitive weightlifting are up post-Olympics. Much of this interest has come from young women who no doubt noticed Canadian weightlifter Christine Girard win bronze in London.
Mather says weightlifting is good training for other sports and a great fitness vehicle.
How much?
The basic costs to start are about $60 a session for several one-on-one sessions with a trainer to get the right movements down, then about $50 per month for a weightlifting club membership -- all depending on age. (There may be an extra annual fee -- about $25 -- if you need to join an association).
Where to start?
Look for a local Olympic weightlifting club if you're interested in competing, and make sure the coaches are certified in Olympic weightlifting. Mather advises joining a club for a month to see how you like it. Contact your provincial weightlifting association, like the B.C. Weightlifting Association (bcweightlifting.ca) or Ontario's (ontarioweightlifting.ca) for more information about training.

4. Fencing
One touch can mean the difference between winning Olympic gold or not. According to Robert Smith, president of Capital City Fencer's Club in Victoria, interest in fencing classes has tripled since the games. So, what's in it other than wearing white garb, a big mask and dueling like you're in a Shakespeare play? Apparently the sport requires a tremendous amount of lower body strength. It also entails discipline to get the footwork right and -- obviously -- quick thinking.
How much?
An introductory course costs upwards of around $50 for eight - ten weeks, about two hours a class. Usually clubs will have equipment available for beginners to use.
Where to start?
Find a club - there are usually several running in big cities. Also, look for your province's association: Atlantic Canada is at eaternfence.ca and information in Quebec can be found at escrimequebec.qc.ca.

5. Equestrian
Canada didn't have the greatest Olympics when it came to equestrian events but competitive horseback riding in its different forms is pretty fascinating, and interest is up, says Kelly Whitlock, general manager at Sunnybrook Stables in Toronto. If your little guy dreams of being the next Ian Millar, introduce him to the horsey way of life through an eight week course at a local stable. Whitlock says horseback riding is great exercise for a person's core and being in charge of a big animal is a great self esteem boost.
How much?
An eight week introductory course is about $750. Your child will learn how to look after a horse, how to put on a bridle and saddle and how to walk and eventually trot.
Where to start?
Inquire at local stables and equestrian centres about riding lessons. A search on the Internet will likely turn up a few options in your area. Or contact Equine Canada (equinecanada.ca) for tips on how to get involved.


Related Links:

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