O Canada Week: Lacrosse!

Lacrosse has deep roots in Canadian history, and that’s why it’s one of two official national sports in Canada! Yes, Canada has two national sports: hockey in winter is the obvious one and lacrosse in summer. But why lacrosse, since everyone knows Canadians live and breathe hockey? Lacrosse has been around for nearly a thousand years and is the oldest organized sport in North America. It was first played by indigenous nations for recreation, combat training, and spiritual reasons. Games could last several days spanning over hundreds of miles with up to a thousand men. Native Americans carved hickory sticks strung with deer sinew, often taking 8–12 months to make and so meaningful that many were buried with their lacrosse sticks.

Today lacrosse is still a popular game in Canada and is on the rise around the world, including the United States, with more youth, high school, and college teams forming for both males and females. Lacrosse is a great game to watch and play with its blend of skills from hockey, soccer, and football, and it is called “the fastest game on two feet.” Check out these books, eBooks, and even a feature film about this old, but exciting, sport!