As a 41 year old mother of four, I have the opportunity to coach my kids in basketball and truly enjoy the thrill of seeing them develop their skills, but I long to be out there myself; shooting, dribbling, setting picks, stealing the ball. Those few years of play in high school and some intramural games in college no longer sustain me. I was never that good a player, I admit, but I always loved the game. Now as an adult, I feel like I understand the game so much better than I ever did as a kid and I long to have the chance and the body to get back out there on the court for a real game.
Now I think I may have found a way. I wandered upon a website telling of women who are enjoying the game in spite of age. They have reformed the game to fit their physical needs, but they continue to enjoy the competition. The game is called Granny Basketball. (website)
Go to the website and check out the videos. You will be inspired by their enthusiasm.
Now, I am not Granny age. I didn't play basketball in skirts nor did we have to keep our arms and legs completely covered, but what thrilled me was to see women who many count out of the sports world still enjoying the smell of a gym, the feel of the ball, and the sound of sneakers squeaking on the court.
I would like to organize my own league of women with a few years on them, and maybe a few pounds, who just want to enjoy the competition again. I even heard once about a mom and daughter's league that allowed moms of teens and above to compete together. Being able to be out there again in a real game would be a blast. I would call it Momma Ball.
Once you begin having children and so much of life settles around you, and even upon you, you begin to look for those things that allow you to break out of the mold - to express yourself in ways that feel like may be slipping away. This granny league inspires me. Another inspiration recently has been the movie Hairspray. The character that John Travolta portrays as Tracy's mom and the way she finally lets herself go and becomes the hit of the dance-off is moving. She just has to get herself to let go of what's inside her - not being concerned with her outward appearance anymore, but only with letting out the feelings and desires she has held back for so long.
I will form a Momma's league. Look out world!
