The Olympics are great and all, but some of the sports are just so…archaic. After all, outside of sleeper cells and prep schools, who does archery or fencing? What the International Olympic Committee lacks is a window into the sports of the people, the salt of the earth from places like Pike/Pine. Its a little-known fact that the original Olympic games were created by Ancient Greeces urban hipsters. Representing their city-states, these trendsetters sought but a forum for their feats of strength and daring. Were they with us today, they wouldnt go near the current Olympics, what with its steroids and bloat and the soft focus puff-pieces by NBC. Nay, theyd be at Cal Anderson Park, where the true torch still burns. Dodgeball? Come one, come callbut come correct. Tightrope? The hardest line youll ever walk. Ultimate? Its earned the name. Kickball? Natch. Pick-up soccer? No diggity. Fixie polo? Fo-shizzle. Maybe even some basketball for good measure. The new Olympic rings are attached to the six-pack in your fridge. The people are taking these games back. DAMON AGNOS
Starts: Sept. 16. Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m., 2009
