Intramurals bring balance to campus community

On both the Bannatyne and Fort Garry campuses, teams are gearing up for their intramural sports championships in early April. Its the wind down from a busy season. Over 1000 participants joined the basketball, hockey, soccer and volleyball leagues during the winter term intramural season. Made up of UM students, staff and faculty, the leagues’ real impact is felt beyond their fields of play.

Bilal Bandmaster, a fifth-year student in the Asper School of Business, says he was welcomed with “open arms” by other teammates during his first year playing with a soccer team. Bandmaster says his time as a player changed his university experience. Playing in the league gave him an opportunity to stay on campus and connect more with the student community. 

 “Before joining, I would go to class and then head home,” says Bilal. “Getting involved helped me build friendships and feel more connected to the university.”

Matthew Gerardy, Coordinator of Sports for Recreation Services, says while games are only an hour each week, many students find they make a noticeable difference in their experience on campus. He says it might sound paradoxical that adding more to someone’s schedule can help them de-stress, but committing to a routine activity can improve a person’s overall well-being.

“That one hour being active can create more balance and energy throughout the rest of the week,” says Gerardy. “I think it gives everyone an opportunity to unwind and de-stress.”

Dasek Sobko, a fifth-year Agribusiness student who has been playing in the hockey league for three years, says balancing schoolwork and other responsibilities can be challenging. But he says intramurals have given him an easy, accessible way to step away from his work and return “feeling fresh and more productive.” 

“You get to hang out with friends, play and recharge, mentally and physically,” he says.

While the majority of intramural participants are students, leagues are open to staff and faculty who have a Recreation Services membership. Krupa Mashru, an Assistant Fitness and Program Coordinator, says she joined intramural soccer as a student but has continued participating since becoming a staff member.

“I leave games feeling more energized, and it helps me get through the rest of the day,” she says.

Mashru says the soccer games help her keep a healthy routine. She says her “Monday blues” are gone, as she wakes up excited to get to work on game days. She says part of that excitement isn’t just the games, but the social side of the leagues.

“On the field, everyone is meeting for the first time, learning about one another and building real connections,” she says.

Gerardy says the leagues have a range of participants, from new to lifelong players. He says the opportunity to bring so many people together through a shared recreational experience is the league's biggest benefit.

“I think it’s just a great opportunity to meet new people, connect and build a social life around campus,” he says.

Bandmaster says intramurals also provided unexpected personal development opportunities. After a few seasons of playing, Bandmaster became interested in officiating. After finishing the courses and clinics, Bandmaster began officiating intramural games and has continued to move to higher levels, including national competitions.

Bandmaster says the real benefit of intramurals is the unexpected doors it opens for people. He says it doesn’t matter who the players are or what their experiences with sport are; everyone will find something to love.