Embrace the spirit of the Olympics: think about taking up a sport

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris will wrap up with the closing ceremonies on Sunday and the Paralympics opening ceremonies will be just around the corner! These three weeks have been filled with amazing competitions and displays of sportsmanship, and there’s no doubt Paris will reignite with great competition for the Paralympic games! For many, the games serve as not only a source of national pride but also as an inspiration to invest their passion into maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Now more than ever is the perfect time to re-energize your Olympic spirit and try out a new sport or sign up for the sport you love.

Benefit of playing sports

Participating in sports has many benefits – everything from improved mental well-being to boosted self confidence and an unlimited amount of physical and health benefits. Participating in sport also forms positive habits and can contribute to your well-being, longevity and a sense of belonging.

So, in a city like Mississauga, with so many sporting choices, where do you start? Well you can jump right in to our Recreation and sports page and start exploring, or you can do a bit of research around the type of sport you might be most interested in through these helpful suggestions!

Know your interests

The greatest thing about sport is that there are so many choices and types to pick from! There are so many in fact that there is likely a perfect sport for you or your child no matter your age, ability or interest.

Sport types include individual sports, partner sports, team sports and extreme sports. Some examples include:

• Acrobatic arts like figure skating
• Aquatic and paddle sports like swimming, canoeing and rowing
• Bat, stick, disc or ball sports like baseball, hockey, cricket, golf and soccer
• Board sports like skateboarding
• Combat sports like martial arts
• Cycling
• Net, racquet and wall games like badminton, squash, volleyball and pickleball

Starting a new sport

If you or your children are new to athletics, start slowly and explore some options that are of interest to you. Consider whether you’re interested in joining a team or if you’d prefer to pursue an individual sport. Are you in search of a fast-paced sport, or something that requires a specific skill set? If you enjoy running, sports like soccer, basketball, or tennis might be the right fit for you. Or maybe you prefer individual sports like archery, table tennis or running. Whichever way you choose to go, and regardless of the level, there are many sports to try out.

If you are interested in getting started, why not start with the City’s programs?

Visit the City’s Recreation and sports page

Your or your child’s Mississauga sports journey starts with a quick visit to our Recreation and sports page where you can choose between registered or drop-in sport programs.

Drop-in sports

Drop-ins are a great way to try many different activities without having to commit to a full season or scheduled session. They are cost effective (sometimes free) and there are many times and locations to choose from all across the city.

Registered programs

If you have found something you like, consider registering for it through the City’s recreation portal at Active Mississauga. Registered programs have their own fees that are paid when you register. Registered programs are a great way to take your understanding and practice of a sport to the next level. Whether it’s golf, skating, hockey or pickleball, there are many registered programs with different levels that can teach your more about the sport and how to hone in on specific skills development that will help you enjoy and get the most out of playing.

Sport providers

The City of Mississauga also has a list of registered sport providers. These private sports clubs run out of the many City recreation facilities and are a great option for parents looking to transition their children or for adults looking to move from casual play to more competitive leagues. Included in the list are a variety of baseball and softball associations, basketball, cricket, soccer and lacrosse all the way through pickleball, hockey, rugby, tennis and track and field.

Start playing a sport today

Introducing sports into your life or that of your children, no matter what the activity, can significantly boost confidence and your well-being. It helps develop essential life skills that could lead to winning a league championship, or simply appreciating the love of just playing the game.

Instead of watching something like football on Sunday nights, why not consider playing the game yourself, either recreational or competitive, and get more out of it? Whether it’s something new or a familiar game, it never hurts to give sport a try.

Tags

• Recreation and Sports
• Things to Do