With school coming to a close and all of our Gaels’ sporting action finished, the avid sports fan must look ahead to see what can whet their palate in the coming months.
From Canada’s greatest golfer to the world’s second biggest soccer tournament, the summer has plenty to offer to anyone in search of great athletics.
1. Major League Baseball (starts Mar. 30)
Major League Baseball kicks off in Japan, where the perennial favourite New York Yankees take on the lowly Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The real opening day is on Apr. 1. For all those who love heading to the ballpark, having a frankfurter and taking in a game … well, you only have 81 chances. Make the most of them.
2. Masters (Apr. 5 – 11)
For anyone in dire need of a study break, try tuning into golf’s most prestigious competition. Over 100 players will vie for the coveted green jacket. Canada’s athlete of the year for 2003, Mike Weir, will defend his Master’s title against great golfers such as Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson. Of course, Weir will spend most of his time worrying about the vaunted Tiger Woods, who is trying to win his fourth Masters title. 3. NHL Playoffs (starting early April)
This year’s playoffs look to be the most competitive in ages. The top six teams in the East are separated by a mere seven points, while the West still boasts powerhouses like Detroit, Colorado and Dallas. In addition to great competitive balance, there will be plenty of Canadian content in this year’s run to the cup. Currently all six Canadian clubs stand to make the playoffs. 4. NBA Playoffs (starting mid-April)
This playoff competition also appears to be very close. In the Western Conference, where the league’s best basketball is played, at least four teams can make a serious run at the title. However, all of those teams face big obstacles that they will have to overcome to be the last one standing. Most likely, it will be one of these teams that has to face a stern challenge from one of the three rising powers in the East: Indiana, Detroit and New Jersey. However, all of these teams should beware of the mighty Lebron James.
5. Kentucky Derby (May 1)
For all the avid horse-racing fans out there, it doesn’t get any bigger than this. The Run for the Roses is the most celebrated and exciting horse race there is, and it serves as the second jewel in the Triple Crown. Get out your parasols and put on your best posh accent though—this event is for the high rollers.
6. America’s National Spelling Bee Championship (May 22 – 29)
For anyone who thinks that placing letters in the correct sequential fashion is not a sport, think again. This exciting event airs on both TSN and ESPN, displaying America’s finest young spellers from Grades 1 to 8. This competition is perfect viewing for anyone who wants confirmation that they were cooler than some kids.
7. The Indianapolis 500 (May 30)
If you’re in the mood for American propaganda and ‘athletes’ turning steering wheels, this event may be for you. This is the biggest date on the American racing calendar, and they don’t let you forget it. Thousands of American flags, a
fly-by and a military-run opening ceremony will get you in the mood to see people drive around an oval.
8. European Soccer Championships (June 12 – July 4)
This is the second most important soccer competition in the world, trailing only the World Cup. Europe’s best 16 soccer nations square off to decide who will rule the continent for four years. Host Portugal looks to be fairly strong, but will have to rely on the home-field factor to hold off powerhouses , Italy and England, who field stronger teams on the whole.
9. Wimbledon (June 21 – July 4)
Rain, strawberries and cream and more rain. Oh yeah, they should be able to get some tennis in as well. Tennis’ most important major takes place on the grass of the historic Wimbledon tennis courts. Old-timer Andre Agassi trying to add another major to his resume, while young gun Andy Roddick looks to cement his position as tennis’ best. The women’s event will most likely feature another war between America and Belgium. But with military force not a factor, Belgians Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters should be able to hold off the Willams sisters once again.
10. 2004 Summer Olympics (Aug. 11 – 29)
If you want a blast from the past, check out the Olympics this year, which are being held in Athens, where the whole thing began. Watch in amazement as the strongest, most efficiently drugged people in the world compete for the honour of Olympic gold. Watch for Canada to under-perform, and look out for all of those gigantic American gold medal winners, who somehow escape steroid testing.
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