Recruitment took place in typical Ultimate fashion: by word of mouth through the various fly-
by-night factions that together comprise Winnipeg’s touring community. The result was a pool of 72 players, collectively members of all the city’s Mixed, Junior, Masters’ and Open teams, along with a handful of new talent not yet belonging to any team – a laudable achievement in diversity and unity for all involved. From there, eight teams were created on a draft basis to promote parity and camaraderie, and the action got under way. On game nights since then, off-field friends could be seen battling toe to toe for nothing other than pride and the thrill of competitive sport. Though the indoor game is recognized to be a mere approximation of the real thing, reviews
of the league itself have been overwhelmingly positive. Player Scott W. credits the WIMIUL with affording him “a sense of social acceptance that [he] never previously thought attainable.” False impressions aside, most have found the league to be a great means of staying physically and mentally sharp over the winter, and of abating their appetite for competitive Ultimate. It’s widely expected that the continuity of high-level play throughout the off-season will benefit players as they return to their respective touring teams for the summer, and it’s hoped that these teams will in turn enjoy a stronger showing in 2010 as a result. If nothing else, the WIMIUL has been a welcome diversion from simply waiting for the snow to melt, and that may be its greatest success of all. »U
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