Olympics Athletics

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is Canada’s time to showcase its exceptional athletic achievements. The spectacular cultural performances show the world that Canada is a community of immense diversity filled with talented people.

Mascots have become important and popular representatives of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. They bring warmth, fun, and excitement to the games. Tourists from all over the world delight in the antics of these lovable mascots.

Each host Country and region designs their mascots to represent the culture and ideals of that country. The mascots are often the storytellers of the games and symbolize the values of the athletes. The host province of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is British Columbia but contributing provinces and territories include Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and the Yukon. The four host First Nations include: Lil’wat First Nation, Musqueam First Nation, Squamish First Nation, and the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation

The role of the mascot has made significant advancements. Imagination and creativity are poured into mascot designs resulting in a tremendous line of collectables, toys, and other mascot paraphernalia. Canada and the province of British Columbia have carried on the tradition of creating mascots that emanate pride, celebration, diversity, inspiration, and the Olympic spirit.

Vancouver 2010 Mascots 1. Miga is a snowboarding sea-bear inspired by the First Nations’ legends of the Pacific Northwest. Miga is part sea-bear and part orca whale and has been described as mischievous and outgoing. Snowboarding is Miga’s favorite winter sport. She is a young sea bear who lives in the ocean with her family pod, beyond Vancouver Island, near Tofino, British Columbia. Miga is part Kermode bear, a rare white bear that only lives in British Columbia. The Kermode bear is a rare white or cream-colored sub-species of the black bear located along the central West Coast of British Columbia. According to First Nations’ legend, Kermode bears were turned white by Raven to remind people of the Ice Age. Orcas are revered by West Coast First Nations as travelers and guardians of the sea.

2. Quatchi is a young Sasquatch who comes from the deep Canadian forests. The Sasquatch is a well known character in local native legends of the Pacific West Coast. Quatchi enjoys exploring new places and making new friends. Quatchi is a bashful and kind Sasquatch. He has a long brown beard and blue earmuffs. His large size makes him a bit uncoordinated. Quatchi’s favorite sport is hockey and his dream is to become a famous goalie. He is eager and understands that working hard is a key component of realizing your dreams.

3. Sumi is an animal spirit who lives in the mountains of British Columbia. Sumi’s name comes from the Salish word Sumesh which means guardian spirit. He has wings of a Thunderbird that allow him to fly and the furry legs of a bear. The bear often represents strength and friendship. Sumi is a leader dedicated to protecting and conserving our water, land, and the critters that make it their home. Sumi loves every sport of the Paralympic games.

4. Mukmuk is a small and sociable Vancouver Island marmot. Mukmuk gets his name from the word ‘muckamuck,’ which is Chinook dialect for ‘food.’ Mukmuk loves to eat and cheer for the athletes during races and games. His favorite foods are berries and mountain flowers. He is an honorary member of the mascot team.

These sweet and cuddly mystical creatures symbolize the strength and transformation of the athletes while showcasing First Nation culture. Audiences will find the mascots of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games entertaining, educational, and memorable.

Outdoor basketball hoops for use in schools need to be sturdy, adjustable, and of good quality. With the kind of rough and tumble use they will get, buying an inexpensive one will only mean spending more money in the long run.

Any piece of equipment that goes out onto the playground must be solid enough so that it doesn’t tip over or become dislodged easily if students hang off the baskets. If you are considering an in-ground style, make sure that the post is a good size. The Olympian model is designed with quality in mind. With its 6″ x 8″ x 1/4″ thick wall post, this unit is built to last. It is bolted down with an anchor to ensure that it will stay in place until you decide that it’s time to move it elsewhere. Whatever model you choose, make sure it has these attributes.

The Olympian is also height adjustable to accommodate the different ages and abilities of students. All you need to do to change it is to turn the crank handle to set the rim at any level between 6′6″ and 10′. You can be sure of the height of the rim by checking the Olympian’s height indicator.

When you are looking for adjustable basketball hoops that won’t break the bank, consider the Vector. You can set the height at whatever level you need, and the 11 gauge 4″ x 4″ post will stand up to normal wear and tear on the schoolyard. This option features a front-mount crank to adjust the height, which makes it a good choice if you wanted to place it close to a wall. The rim height can be adjusted anywhere from 7′ to 10′, and you can remove the crank handle to prevent the height from being adjusted by students or visitors to the property.

Schools may not always want to install basketball hoops that are mounted on a pole. When space is at a premium, there is another solution. The RoofMaster can be installed on a vertical wall or on a roof pitch, as desired. This option is adjustable and can be set anywhere from 6′ to 10′ in height. Several types of backboards and rims can be used with the RoofMaster, so you can choose one that fits your budget.

Budget is always a consideration when you want to buy outdoor basketball hoops for schools. Dollars spent for educational purposes must be made to stretch as far as possible, and skimping on school equipment is not a good choice. Anything that is put out on the playground for students to use should be something that will stand a lot of punishment. Safety is another consideration and it’s well worth the money spent to invest in post pads to reduce the risk of injuries to players.

Buying outdoor basketball hoops for schools is a great idea. Students are encouraged to be physically active, and they can use them outside of normal school hours as well. It should be considered an investment in the students’ good health.

The Zimmer Durom Cup Replacement component was used in over 12,000 hip replacement surgeries in the United States from its approval in 2006 through July, 2008. These devices are made of only one piece of material, and their design differs radically from the 3-part implants which were their predecessors. During the period of time from 2003 to 2006, hundreds of implant surgeries were successfully performed in Europe, and American physicians were impressed. Unfortunately, as many American patients started having problems with their implants, doctors lost their faith in them.

Soon after the surgeries began in 2006, patients started revisiting their doctors with complaints. Naturally, they knew it would take a reasonable amount of time for full recovery, but they were experiencing pain well after the expected three-month recovery time. Upon examination, doctors determined that a large number of these patients needed revision surgery to correct problems. These physicians now believe that as many as 5.7% of all those receiving the Durom Cup Replacements prior to July, 2008 will need revisions.

After being removed from the American market for a period of time in July, 2008, the Durom Cup Replacement component was reinstated in August, 2008 along with new training programs for physicians doing the implant surgeries. By following the techniques taught to them in an internet-based training program, surgeons can greatly reduce the number of problems patients suffer from loosening of the implants. Unfortunately, only about half of the doctors who were using the Durom Cup previously have elected to take the extra training necessary to use the technology now.

Due to the problems so many patients have had with the Zimmer Durom Cup Replacement, there are many pending lawsuits against the company, including a class action suit filed in the state of Indiana by stockholders. At the end of the 3rd quarter of 2008, Zimmer announced it had set aside $47.5 million to cover the various lawsuits that were being brought against it. Although they still don’t feel their product is to blame, because they found it to be in no way defective, they still accept some of the liability for their failure to provide adequate training for doctors to teach them new implantation techniques.

Patients who are experiencing unexplained hip pain more than three months after having hip replacement surgery, have loosening and slippage in their artificial hip implant, or require hip replacement revision surgery are being encouraged by product liability attorneys to file suit against the company. Per the laws in most states, patients are entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages due to defects in the Zimmer Durom Cup Replacements they received prior to July, 2008.

The Durom Cup Replacement device is once again being used in the U.S., but many physicians are still opting to use something else rather than risk the high rate of failure that has been associated with its use in this country. These doctors still believe that there is something intrinsically wrong with the design and are reluctant to spend the time it would take to be trained in the correct implant procedures. Patients need to look at the facts and decide for themselves if they want to take the risk, even with the improved odds brought about by better training. There is another way to look at the situation, though, and many patients are beginning to see the Durom Cup in a new light. After all, in spite of the 5.7% estimated failure rate for the device, it also has had an American success rate of 94.3%.

Learning any sport takes some time and plenty of practice; but the best way to learn a sport is to get to know the basics first. In basketball there are not too many difficult things to remember. In fact, there are four basic ideas that you should familiarize yourself with. This will allow you to understand the game.

When you understand the game a little better you will be able to learn additional skills and moves more easily. Having a good understanding allows you to be able to pick up the game quickly because you will understand better why you need to move a certain way or what importance there is to each position.

Basketball Basic One: Time

Basketball games are either played in halves or quarters, depending on the league. The time of each half or quarter is dependent upon the league as well. The NBA plays in 12 minute quarters, college basketball is played in 30 minute halves and high school games are played in 8 minute quarters.

There is usually a fifteen minute break at half time. The clock stops when the ball is not in play. Also there are 5 minute overtime periods allowed, if needed. These rules about time are usually the same throughout all leagues.

Basketball Basic Two: Team

A basketball team has 12 players on the roster. Five players will be on the court during play. The coach can trade out players as needed, but only when the clock is stopped. There must be at least five players per team in order to play a regulation game.

Players wear a uniform that consists of shorts and a jersey. The uniform is usually loose fitting to allow for good movement. The jersey will have a number on the front and back. Some leagues may also include the last name on the jersey. The uniform is made in the color or colors of the team. Another important part of the uniform is a pair of sneakers that offer good ankle support.

Basketball Basic Three: Equipment

The game of basketball requires a hoop and a ball. Most league games also use a scoreboard. The hoop is usually at a height of 10 feet from the court and 4 feet from the baseline. The court is usually made of wood if it’s indoors. Outdoors courts are usually asphalt. The official regulations for balls are 28.5 inches in diameter with a weight of 20 ounces for women and 29.5 inches in diameter with a weight of 22 ounces for men.

Basketball Basic Four: Rules

The main goal of a basketball game is to score more points then the opposing team by making baskets. The rules surrounding how you do this are pretty straightforward.

- The ball must stay within the court at all times in order to be in play. - Both feet have to be moving when dribbling. - Your hand cannot go under the ball when dribbling. - You can only stand still with the ball if you keep your feet planted. Once a foot steps you must dribble. - The ball can not go back down the court once past half court. - You can not dribble with both hands. - The ball can not be caught when dribbling and held.

There are other rules, but these are the very basics. The more complex rules govern conduct and violations. Understanding these simple points is a great way to introduction to a really fun game.

Every four years, thirty two teams from around the world compete in one of the biggest tournaments in all of sports. The World Cup is the world championship tournament for the sport of soccer and it brings with it the same excitement and fan-fair as that of the Olympic Games. The most recent World Cup tournament, held in 2006, was the eighteenth in the tournaments history and was played in Germany

Upwards of two hundred countries compete to qualify in the World Cup, which is soccer’s biggest stage, but only thirty-two of those teams actually get to play in the tournament. The bulk of the tournament is played in a round-robin style over the course of nearly a month in the host nation, the final (16th) round is an elimination round in which teams that are defeated are eliminated from the tournament.

Who Won the 2006 World Cup? The last incarnation of soccer’s biggest tournament pitted rival nations Italy and France against one another. It was a close and hard fought match that saw Italy take the win, and the World Cup Championship, as a result of penalty kicks after the end of the match’s regulation. The game was loaded with excitement and controversy, as in the latter part of the game one of France’s most talented and popular players was ejected due to a flagrant foul. Lots of talk after the game questioned whether the outcome of the game would have been the same if he had been playing during the final minutes and in the penalty kick shootout instead of watching from the sidelines. This was Italy’s fourth World Cup win, which places them second in overall wins behind perennial soccer powerhouse Brazil.

Host country Germany didn’t win the World Cup, nor did they play in the final match but they still had a fantastic showing at the 2006 World Cup. Germany played in the game to decide third place in the tournament and defeated Portugal, who is often considered among the best teams in the world, by a score of three to one.

Recent World Cup Results In the three World Cup tournaments prior to 2006, the powerful Brazilian team appeared in each final match - winning the tournament in 2002 by defeating Germany and in 1994 by defeating Italy and losing to France in 1998. The two World Cup wins for Brazil gave the country a total of five since the tournaments inception and making them the winning-est team in World Cup history.

The 2002 World Cup saw two surprise teams vie for third place as two teams who had never before appeared in a final game in the World Cup faced off. The game pitted Turkey against the Korea Republic and saw Turkey edge out a very close three to two victory.

1998’s tournament also brought shock in the game for third place as surprise Croatia, who had never before even seen action in the final four of a World Cup tournament, defeated the Netherlands, who seems to always be in contention and who finished second in both the 1974 and the 1978 World Cup tournaments.

Despite the fact that the next World Cup final round won’t begin for nearly eighteen months, there is already excitement building about the event. The 2010 World Cup tournament will mark the first time in tournament history that the finals have taken place in South Africa. The South African team, as the host country, will receive automatic qualification to appear in the tournament and 204 other nations will play for the thirty one remaining spots.

The 2006 tournament had the largest viewing audience of any World Cup tournament on television and as the popularity of soccer continues to grow and gain momentum in countries the world over - the 2010 version of the tournament promises to have even more viewers watching than 2006. If you thought is on World Cup seeking a sports travel expert.

When watching the game of basketball, spectators probably don’t give much thought to what type of backboard is being used. The backboard is in fact one of the most important parts of a basketball system. Though glass backboards have long been thought of as the best backboards, acrylic backboards have many of the same features.

If you are several feet away and look at a backboard you may not be able to tell the difference between an acrylic one and a glass one. They are both clear, they both come in the same sizes, and they both have the outline markings and shooter’s square. When you throw the ball and go for a rebound, that is were the difference comes into view.

Glass backboards are the backboards used by the pros. Professional style backboards are made of inch thick tempered glass. The outline of the backboard and the shooter’s square are fired into the glass so they won’t wear away. A regulation size backboard is 42″ x 72″, but glass backboards come in many different sizes. They are dent and scratch resistant and won’t get dusty.

What is so great about glass? The main reason why professionals love glass is because of the way the ball interacts with the glass. Rebounds bounce off immediately and crisply. There is virtually no reverberation with glass. Glass will not dent so there are no worries about the ball hitting a dent or groove. Players know exactly what to expect with a glass backboard.

One of the only drawbacks of a glass backboard is the possibility of breakage. Though shattering a backboard is not the goal of a slam dunk, it is possible with enough force to shatter a glass backboard. With breakaway goals the likelihood is less, but still possible. There are certain types of glass backboards available that are guaranteed not to shatter. The risk of shattering, however, does not compare to the excellent ball interaction.

Fairly recently, acrylic backboards have come into play. Backboard that are made of cast acrylic are very similar to glass backboards– but more economical. Cast acrylic is one of the strongest forms of acrylic manufactured today. It is virtually dent resistant. Most acrylic backboards come with steel frames for even more stability. This frame is very important for proper ball interaction.

To get a similar feel as a glass backboard, look for an acrylic backboard that is inch thick. If the acrylic is too thick the ball will not respond the same way. Though acrylic backboards are more economical, they will have to be replaced sooner than a glass backboard would. They are also more difficult to keep clean since dirt can get into the grooves.

If you are on a budget an acrylic backboard will definitely get the job done. It has good ball interaction and is durable and sturdy. But, if you are looking for longer durability and more consistency, a glass backboard is the way to go.

Once a person develops a certain level of skill on the basketball court, they can’t help but carry that sense of self-confidence with them into other parts of their lives. A person with high self-esteem is more likely to make good choices for themselves in other parts of their lives. When young people are busy on the basketball court playing a sport they enjoy, they are less likely to become involved in activities that are less positive because they are bored or feeling pressured by their peers.

Youngsters who are introduced to a sport early on are more likely to continue being physically active right into adulthood. They learn how to behave in a team environment, which is a skill that will benefit them when they become adults and are interacting with people at work. More and more workplaces are expecting employees to work in groups to complete projects, and the skills learned on the court can only benefit them later on.

Are basketball hoops and goals a good long-term investment? Yes, they are. This is something the whole community will reap the benefits from for years to come.

Indoor basketball hoops allow players of any age to enjoy this pastime in a gym throughout the year and in all kinds of weather. Both wallmount and portable systems are available for indoor use. The one you choose will depend on the facility used and whether other sports will be played there as well.

Wallmount indoor basketball hoops are fixed to the wall, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be repositioned when the gym is being used for volleyball or many other sports. For maximum flexibility when it comes to your facility, consider the FoldaMount46. When you need to make extra room, simply adjust it to the left or the right and it moves to hug close to the wall. It can be readjusted back to its standard position when the time comes for players to take to the court again.

For situations where you don’t need this degree of flexibility, then a standard wallmount indoor basketball hoop may be installed. The PowerMount is a great choice when you need to install a basketball hoop close to the wall or another obstruction. It is designed to be used with a minimum of 12″ in distance between the wall and the backboard.

The Hurricane system is designed specifically for indoor use. It can be used in a gym or recreation center and is sturdy enough to resist tipping over when players hang off the rim. With its distance of 96″ from the base to the back board of 96″, this model meets the size requirements for both the National High School Federation and the NCAA. A tempered glass backboard is an attractive feature, and thick padding placed on the front, back, and sides of the base provides needed protection to players.

The Fury is another example of a portable indoor basketball hoop. This unit can be used in elementary schools where children are learning the game, but is also appropriate for adults who are playing in recreational leagues. The Fury can be placed in any position you like, and the rim height can be adjusted anywhere between 6′ 6″ and 10′, to complement the playing abilities of the participants.

This product is designed so that it can be moved easily by one person, if necessary. The lower pad flips forward and locks into position before changing locations, and then can be placed upright when it’s time to play again.

The Rampage is an indoor basketball hoop system that can be moved from place to place in a gym quickly and easily. This economically-priced unit can be adjusted by cranking the handle until you reach the desired height. Thick vinyl padding, in a choice of colors, helps to ensure the safety of the players while involved in the game.

Indoor basketball hoops are available to suit any playing arrangement or budget. A wallmount unit can be installed when the gym will be used for playing the sport on a regular basis. For maximum flexibility, though, a portable system is a good choice.

Basketball goals are available in both fixed and flexible styles. The one you choose will depend on whether the basketball team will be playing inside or outside, and on some other requirements.

In a situation where your team will be playing indoors but the gym is also to be used for volleyball or other sports, a system like the FoldaMount 46 option gives you some flexibility. When you need to have extra space, this unit can swing to the left or the right for storage, without the need for ladders or tools. Basketball goals of this style can also be adjusted to give you a wall-to-backboard extension of anywhere between 4 and 6′ to align with the markings on the court.

Moving the FoldaMount 46 is easy. An adjustment crank is provided so that you can loosen the adjustment screw when needed. Once the screw has been loosened, you can grab the rim with the hook on the crank tool and give it a tug to slide it into the wall. Once you have the unit in place, the screw can be tightened to hold it in that position until the next basketball game.

The Legend system is another example of a fixed goal system. This is a rugged unit outfitted with 6″ square, 3/16″ steel tubing. It can be used outdoors on a playground or on an indoor basketball court. For safety reasons, the net is set 66″ behind the backboard. The extension arm can be fastened with bolts at any height along the post that you choose. Add pole and backboard padding for extra safety when you buy this unit.

The SuperMount80 is another example of a wall-mounted basketball goal. Like the FoldaMount 46, it can be adjusted (between 6 and 8′ from wall to backboard), depending on your needs and the court the team will be playing on. This type of basketball goal system can be used with the backboard of your choice.

When you are interested in adjustable basketball goals, the Vector system provides the flexibility you need. The height can be fixed a height of 7-10′, depending on the age and skill level of the players. This option is a good one where you are looking to place the basketball goal close to a wall or any other kind of obstruction. The Vector allows users to make adjustments with crank positioned at the front of the unit, as opposed to at the back. When space behind the hoop is at a premium, this system works well.

The Powerhouse Challenger system features a 5″ x 5″ vertical post and a “Y” shaped extension arm to give you 30″ of offset from the post to the backboard. Adjust the rim height by turning the EZ-Crank handle. This unit can be used with glass or acrylic backboards, as desired.

With the variety of basketball goals available, you will be able to find one that will be perfect for your needs, whether the team plays the sport in the gym or outdoors.

When you decide to outfit your school or community center’s play area with inground basketball hoops, you are making a long term investment in the health and lifestyle of your local area. It is one that will pay off handsomely in rewards for the entire community.

Any time you are considering buying a major piece of equipment, you need to weigh out the costs versus the benefits. Installing inground basketball hoops must be looked at in this light. The initial cost may seem substantial at first glance, so you need to consider the number of years of enjoyment that the players will get from playing the game. Dividing the cost of the equipment by the number of years to expect to be able to get out of it is a good way to justify the purchase.

Do buy the best quality inground basketball hoops that your school or organization can afford. An inexpensive unit will not last as long as a better quality one. You will need to put something sturdy in place that can withstand the wear and tear of several users over time. A good quality inground basketball hoop will come equipped with a backboard that will last, as well as thick padding to help keep the players safe from harm if they happen to bump into it during a game.

The community as a whole benefits when inground basketball hoops are available to children and adults alike. Basketball is a pastime that children and adults can enjoy. It’s a great way to get (and stay) physically fit. Exercise releases endorphins, which are the body’s “feel good” hormones. Participants feel happier and have more energy after they have played a game. Regular exercise has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression.

In the case of children, being able to participate in a team sport teaches them how to work together as a group to reach a common goal. (In this case, it’s to score baskets.) They also learn the principles of sharing and sportsmanship, which they can carry forward into their everyday lives off the court as well.

Young people who have something productive to do, such as participating in sports like basketball, are much less likely to become involved in antisocial activities. Basketball is a very positive thing for them to be involved in, and through this experience the participants will enjoy a heightened sense of self-esteem.

Unlike sports like ice hockey, which are very expensive to buy equipment for, basketball is relatively inexpensive for people to participate in. Once the inground basketball hoops are in place, a pair of good shoes and a ball are all that the participants need. They can reap all the health benefits from participating without having to spend a lot of money doing it.

When you stop to consider it, installing inground basketball hoops is a wonderful long-term investment that the community as a whole can benefit from. Children and adults who are physically fit are much better prepared for the challenges that modern life brings.