Here in Des Moines broomball has become a yearly tradition for many once the weather turns cold and the urge to get out into the cold and get active.  However, for many the term “broomball” might have little or no meaning so let me do a little explaining.  Although very similar to hockey there are enough small differences that make this sport more accessible to to those who may not be up for such a physical sport as hockey.  For starters you don’t even need to know how to skate!  Instead you can either play in your sneakers (Definitely would not recommend this if you value your safety), or use specially made rubber soled shoes to run around on the ic.  Instead of a hockey stick and puck, you play with a stick shaped like a broom with a rubber soled bottom, and a very tiny ball resembling a small soccer ball that does not bounce on the ice at all.  Aside from that most other rules mimic hockey.

That being said, I can speak from experience, broomball is a ton of fun.  Luckily enough Des Moines is large enough to accomodate not only a yearly league, but special tournaments as well.  One of said tournaments is actually coming up soon, as an event that is part of the 5th annual Winter Games.  Registration is due by January 26th so if your interested in getting a team together you’re running out of time!

If you haven’t heard of the Winter Games in Des Moines, then you’re missing out on a lot more besides broomball.  Featuring events such as the polar plunge, cardboard sled racing, downhill kayaking, downhill ski bike racing and much, much more.  If your interested in learning more about some of these events you can read more about it on the Des Moines Parks and Recreations website.

So go on and get out there.  With such a warm winter so far it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy wintertime without freezing!

You may recall our post a couple weeks ago giving you suggestions how to beat the winter blues in Des Moines

Well, if you don’t have any plans this weekend, we have another fun,exciting and unique opportunity for you to have some fun among all this snow.

This weekend marks the 4th annual “Des Moines Winter Games”.

“The philosophy behind the winter games is to get people out and active,” Max Kenkel, general manager of Sleepy Hallow,” said. “We want to give central Iowans an opportunity to go out and do something in the middle of winter.”

And from what we’ve seen, there will be plenty to do this weekend.

The Kick Off and Polar Plunge event starts off the weekend at Sleepy Hallow sports park starting at 5pm on Friday. Admission for the event is just one canned food item that will go to the Des Moines Area Religious Council. At the kick-off competitors and spectators alike will be able to mix and mingle before the weekend kicks off. And for those who are brave enough to take the plunge (no pun intended). The Polar Plunge will start around 6:00pm, with costumes encouraged.

Another event on our radar is the cardboard sled race. Competitors in this event are challenged to create a sled out of just cardboard and then brave the slopes. Registration for the event is $15 and you can sign up on site. The race will take place at 7pm on Friday out at Sleepy Hallow.

If you’re missing the lake and kayaking during these icy water months, there’s even an event for you. Downhill kayak racing is going on once again. Competitors can either bring their own kayak or use one of the kayaks provided. There will first be round-robin style racing. Followed by head-to-head competition, with the fastest time advancing. Once again, you can register on site for just $15.

For those of you that don’t like racing and prefer traditional winter activities, like snowman making, you are in luck. Snow sculpting starts at 1pm on Friday at Sleepy Hallow and contestants have until 8:30pm to finish their creations. Des Moines Winter Games attendees will then get to vote on the sculptures. There’s even a cash prize for the winner and a tubing party for all the contestants.

For the central Iowan who likes skateboarding and snowboarding. There will be a Des Moines Rail Jam on Saturday night under the lights of Court Avenue. For $15 contestants can showcase their grinding talents starting at 7pm. Live music will also be going on during the event.

There’s also plenty of team events going on during the weekend;whilee registration for those has passed, spectators are welcome and encouraged. This includes sno-ball softball at the Savage Softball and Des Moines Softball Complex all weekend. Flag football will be going on Friday and Saturday out at Cownie Soccer Complex and even Broomball will be played on Friday and Saturday night at Brenton Skating Plaza.

And there’s of course plenty of events for the kiddo’s. Winter Carnival games will take place at the skating plaza on Saturday from 10:00 to Noon. Kid’s can compete in an obstacle course, dance contest, and create snow art. Everyone who participates gets a prize at this event!

So, instead of complaining about how tired of winter you are, go out and do something this weekend. We heard there could be a heat wave of 32 on Saturday!

For more information on other events going, details on the events we talked about or anything else. Check out the Des Moines Winter Games Facebook page.

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