Games and Athletic Events?

[alex_greene]

The Decennial Games were invented in 740 by Emperor Paulo. That's in The Third Imperium.
Apart from the Zhodani Olympiad, which is outside the Imperium, are there any sporting fixtures listed in any canon books within the Imperium (or its predecessors)?

 

[CordwainerFish]

There are a few racing events in the canon: the Annililik Run between Core and Vland (direction changes each event) (The Third Imperium, p. 120) and the Spinward Point-to-Point Races, rallyesque events held in the Spinward Marches (GURPS Behind the Claw, p.7 sidebar). The Run is homologated to j-2 and 600 tons; no mention of homologation is made for the Point-to-Points, which appear to be sporadic events held by and for rich idiots so presumably to have a chance you need j-6 (thus voiding much of the challenge in route selection).

 

[G'Naakbusters]

The Azhanti -- an Imperial culture -- have the Khalumpoch Games, a religious festival of tests of skill, overcoming the challenges of God, part of their Ro'akh religion. It's held on Irale every ten years, a popular event in the Domain of Antares.

(From GURPS Humaniti)

 

[Condottiere]

The Ashes, where a team from the Capitol challenges a team from Terra, in a game of cricket.

 

[Galadrion]

I would think most such events would be organized around a more local level - city or region, world, maybe up to the level of subsector or (for very long-cycle games) the sector level. Travel time and expense would work against more frequent event cycles - if contestants are having to travel for months to reach the tournament, at costs of hundreds of kilocredits (and remember, they'll have to ship their equipment, too!), they're not going to be able to participate frequently.

 

[Condottiere]

You also send teams to Wimbledon, the Masters, America's Cup, World Cup, and a horse to the Kentucky Derby.

And, of course, a contestant to Miss Universe.

 

[G'Naakbusters]

And, of course, a contestant to Miss Universe.

Miss Githiaski is my bet for this year. Blows the opposition out of the water, possibly in a literal sense.