Soccer
Soccer: more than a game
One of AustinOdia’s value ‘Rallying behind the passion’ became the lifeline for the ‘Soccer Saturday’. The passion is about ‘Staying fit’. An essentiality in the self-learning digital world where we work hard sitting i: e in the office; in the car; and/or at home watching TV. The phrase ‘work hard’ pertains more to mind than body. Hence AustinOdia formed the ‘Soccer Saturday’.
‘Soccer Saturday’ has morphed to an expression of emotion & explosion of energy on the field. Rivalry is the binding agent for the emotions & the energy. The game begins on a Thursday with roll call in the aptly named WhatsApp group ‘Odias Workhard PlayHarder’. It develops into adrenaline calls between the Blue team & Saffron team. Messages pop up like wild mushrooms in the jungle from decent transitioning quickly to intimidating calls……‘Ready for MahaSangram!!’; ‘Lucky last week!’ to most common calls ‘Your team was stronger’; ‘Boot Neeti’; ‘Selling a dog as a cat’ to name a few. The fever is felt on a Friday night. Come Saturday the players – kids, youths & young-at-hearts – with multicolor soccer shoes; sheen guards; full length socks decent on the field to stretch. Then the mind game begins…between the esteemed captains & by God it is sophisticated. Each try to gain an edge by selecting a differentiating player. Then the game starts. They play with a rhythm with minimal fouls but once a goal is scored the intensity skyrockets making the refereeing a tough task. Fast breathing warrior demeanor attack mode replaces the rhythmic well-paced mid-field game. Emotions go unhinged & energy explods making each cell of the body exercise; engaging every muscle; and flowing blood & oxygen to every corner of the body. Fitness is at its best.
Irrespective of the final score the post-game analysis kicks into motion rather immediately. The flavor of the messages is mostly defensive from the winning team; and caustic from the losing team. By the afternoon the flow of the messages dies down with congratulatory notes as folks rest and recoup. Come Thursday the cycle begins.
‘Soccer Saturday’ has presented an intangible yet powerful benefit to AustinOdia. It has created a family within a family with its own understandings & caring and socializations with Odia treats like Bara-Guguni, pedas etc. Rain or Shine we play……For AustinOdia it is more than JUST A GAME.
Marathon
Every year the city of Austin holds marathon and half-marathon races. In the spirit of Austin Odia, our members participate in this event. Over the years, the number of participants from the community has grown. We are always proud of our members who prepare for the events and complete in the races,
| Fitness/ Sports activities | Ashish Pradhan, Bijon Panda, Chitta Barik, Debashish Kabi & Smita Sahoo , Treasurer : Pruthwiraj |