You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers. Part II
Hello team. I hope everyone is keeping up with their training schedules. Those power dodges can be a lot to handle, but remember – no pain, no gain.
This whole ‘petitioning for snowball throwing to be added to the Olympics’ gig is really generating a ton of responses and I’m pumped! Yesterday I even got an email from a mom in Toledo, Ohio asking if I would tutor her kid on the proper way to make snowballs. She knows what’s up. They’re raising them right in the Buckeye state.
As President, I think it’s important to keep engaging in dialogue to keep this movement alive. My work-out schedule keeps me outside most of the day so I can’t respond to everyone but I’ll try to keep up. Here are answers to some of the questions I’ve been getting.
How do you keep your hands from getting too cold?
Gloves. Come on, people. Did you expect a different answer? Some people prefer to use a bare-handed technique for snowball throwing but I find that gloves help me keep my fingers limber through the duration of a long competition.
How many times a day should you train and for how long?
All day, every day. It’s important to mix up your training however – outdoor, indoor, simulated competitions, varied intensities, etc. There’s one key factor that snowball throwers have to deal with that isn’t typical of other sports. We have an unknown duration of competition. A snowball throwing competition could last 13 minutes or seven hours so it’s important to train for the extremes. For example, I watch TV while running in place and my feet are in a bucket of ice while I’m typing. Never stop. This dream only happens once every four years.
Where can I buy the uniform?
We’re still working out the ‘kinks’ in our distribution system, but I’ll keep you posted.
Who’s the best snowball thrower?
Me. I’ll prove it in Vancouver.
OK, I’ve got to get back outside and work on my side-arm technique but check out this video if you want to hear a bit more about the IFST’s most frequently asked questions. Keep the dream alive! Snowball throwers unite!
Clear rules equal clear winners.
You’ve probably heard of the saying ‘rules are made to be broken’ but what most people don’t know is that the saying was actually ‘rules are made to be broken by people who cheat.’ True story and the IFST does not advocate cheating. If there aren’t clear rules how do you know who wins? It’s a basic principle of civilized competition.
As President of the International Federation of Snowball Throwing, yours truly has stepped up to the plate and outlined clear and decisive rules to guide your snowball-throwing escapades. You can read the full list here, but I’d like to highlight a few rules now.
The first rule requires participants to have fun and make friends. This rule is actually multi-dimensional. If you accidently hit a spectator who is not participating take the time to apologize, shake their hand and make sure they’re OK. Good sportsmanship is a cornerstone of the IFST movement. Another aspect of this rule – if you don’t have fun throwing snowballs you automatically lose.
No ice.
No yellow snow.
No crying.
No regulated playing fields. As I’ve said before, snow knows no boundaries and neither do snowball throwers.
Teams do not have to have equal numbers of players, but the teams must be pre-determined and agreed upon by all participants. If a three-person vs. five-person neighborhood showdown is agreed upon, that doesn’t mean you can have eight other friends hiding in the bushes ready to play in case you start losing. Remember what we talked about earlier? The IFST does not advocate cheating.
Now go read the full list of official rules and get back to practice. There’s no better reason to get off the couch and get moving than a good round of snowball throwing. See rule 11.
Dressed to impress.
Every sport has a specific uniform designed to enhance an athlete’s ability to excel. If snowball throwing is going to be a serious sport, we obviously need a serious uniform.
Patented by the R&D gurus at the International Federation of Snowball Throwing, this uniform is going to change the way you and I compete in professional snowball throwing. We’re taking this sport to the next level!
It’s sleek. It’s modern. It’s high-tech. It’s been designed to enhance your snowball-throwing abilities. As an added bonus, you’ll look really good winning. I present to you, the official uniform for professional snowball throwers.
The Official IFST Training Program: Snowercise
One of the keys to being a great snowball thrower is getting in the best shape of your life. As President of the IFST, I’ve developed a set of exercises designed to help snowball throwers excel in competition.
Lucky for you, I don’t like unfair advantages. I’m going to demonstrate some of the IFST-sanctioned exercises that will help you get in peak physical condition and maximize your snowball-throwing abilities.
You might want to get your work-out gear on before you watch this video. IFST studies show that viewers have a strong desire to start doing push-ups PRONTO after watching our inspirational ‘snowercise’ video.
Here’s another tip from me to you – signing the petition is a good way to cool down. You’re welcome.
You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers.
Since I started this organization and launched a global effort to rally support to have snowball throwing added to the Olympics, a lot of people have been asking me a lot of questions …why snowball throwing? Do you actually think snowball throwing is a sport? Why now?
Why snowball throwing?
Why not! Snowball throwing is the most popular winter participation sport in the world. Think about it. Ask your friends if they’ve even driven a bobsled, laid down on a luge or traveled down the side of a mountain doing 100 mph on skis. Then ask them if they’ve ever thrown a snowball. Enough said.
Do I really think snowball throwing is a sport?
While I’m insulted that people actually ask me this, the answer of course is yes. It requires agility, mobility, arm strength and stamina to excel in snowball throwing. Have you ever challenged your buddies to a snowball challenge? Scrambling around the park, dodging out of the way, ducking for cover behind trees… who doesn’t break a sweat!
Why now?
Simply put, snowball throwing needs a place on the world’s athletic stage. Global participation in snowball throwing is at an all-time high, and more and more snowball throwing events are taking place all over the world. It’s time for the world to recognize and celebrate the oldest, most natural winter sport on earth! Not to mention that there are no Olympic Winter Games sports that use a ball. It’s true. How can you have an entire Olympic Winter Games and not have one sport use a ball? Add snowball throwing and done. Problem solved.
Keep those questions coming.
Meet the President
Snowball Throwing Enthusiasts – Watch the video and then head over to sign our petition. It’s time to get inspired!
Greetings Winter Sports Fans!
Welcome to the official home of the International Federation of Snowball Throwing. As the self-appointed IFST president, I thought it appropriate to kick things off with a little background.
I love winter, love everything about it – the cold, the ice, the snow, waking up after a snowstorm and running outside to ‘make the first tracks’ through the park. There’s nothing better.
So the other day I was flipping through channels on TV when I realized the Olympics are coming up fast and furious in February 2010. The next thought that crossed my mind – once again I missed the opportunity to try out for curling. It doesn’t really matter, though. The fact is I’ve got a talent for snowball throwing and that’s not part of the Olympics. Then it hit me – HOLD UP! Snowball throwing isn’t part of the Olympics!
It was like I was struck by lightning. How can this be? Does anyone else realize this? Snowball throwing is epic. It’s the first winter ‘sport’ you learn as a child – how to properly form and throw a snowball. This has to be a mistake and I need to fix it. Hence, the International Federation of Snowball Throwing was established.
The IFST is the world’s first-ever organization created to support competitive and noncompetitive snowball throwing. As its fearless leader, it is my mission to ensure that snowball throwing be recognized everywhere in the world as a legitimate sport.
We’re not messing around with the minor leagues; we’re going for the gold – literally! As of today, the IFST is officially in the process of lobbying to have snowball throwing added to the Olympics in Vancouver, and that’s where I need your help.
Here are a few things you can do to help right now …
- Give me a shout-out and post a comment on the blog
- Showcase your commitment by downloading the “Snowball Throwers, Unite!” button and put it on your blog or Facebook page
- Spread the word, tell your friends about IFST
- Follow me on Twitter @IFSTpresident
- Last, but not least, sign our online petition!
Snowball throwing is the oldest, most natural winter sport on earth and our athletes deserve a shot at the medal stand! As we march toward Vancouver, please know that I will do everything I can to make this dream a reality for winter sports fans around the world. The time to act is now!
Help the IFST! Show your support for snowball throwing! Let’s make it happen!
Show Your Support
Sign the Petition
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