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And in case any Harry Potter diehards are wondering, yes, all the players also must maneuver around on broomsticks during gameplay. Much like the ability to dunk a basketball is restricted to a gifted few, however, real-life quidditch players have yet to take flight. As far as the players, there are those like Brian Nackasha, a 26-year-old beater for Brevard Community College's team, who said he listens to the Potter books daily on audio. But the game isn't just embraced by "Harry Potter" enthusiasts. In fact, there are several players at this weekend's event who consider themselves novices and just enjoy the athletic aspect. "We have people on our team that have never read the books or seen the movies, so it travels the whole spectrum," said University of Ottawa team founder Clare Hutchinson. "Quidditch is not necessarily all about Harry Potter anymore." Hutchinson, 22, said she never played any team sports before quidditch, only previously participating in things such as skiing and horseback riding. She and her teammates even reorganized their final exams just to participate in the World Cup. She said the camaraderie is worth it, though. "We've deferred dozens of exams for this trip," she said. "We had to make personal and academic sacrifices to make that choice, as well as the financial expense. ... People are really surprised at the seriousness we take it at." For now, the IQA remains a nonprofit group and remains in contact with representatives for "Harry Potter" creator J.K. Rowling to ensure no trademarks are violated.
Although IQA has been approached by some corporate entities about possible sponsorships, he said the aim is to make sure the group doesn't lose its grassroots appeal. "The sport has really changed a lot of people's lives for the better," Benepe said. "People are turning into lifetime friends. I'm now good friends with people who have been playing quidditch for five or six years. "It's really like one big family."
[Associated
Press;
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