Dispatches From the Games 2014: 3 - Dispatch From Game One

Dateline Turin:

The Legends have come to town, along with 19,000 other jocks and jockettes from 107 countries - and Torino is ready with open arms. Banners line the streets - shops, taxis and TV - all hail the arrival of the World Masters Games.

The city is filled with yesteryear’s Olympians, All-Americans, national champs, etc.

Master games are grouped by age according to the youngest member of a team. The Legends play in the “65 to Dead” bracket.

Games Village Gate

Main Drag's Banners

Opening ceremonies have come and gone - down the street, light the flame, and make speeches - a repeat of Torino’s 2006 Olympics. All looks very nice.

But the volleyball venue is in a city gym far across town. It is locked when the team comes to check it out. They are painting some trim inside. And the old gym needs more than paint - center court has a glass wall on one end making the colorful international volleyball look like a black pumpkin coming at you over the net.

VBall knees after 50+yrs of jumping

The other end sports the “non funziona” drinking fountain and the toilets - classic squat blasters that the girls all love - and not too popular with the worn-out knees sported by some of the lads.

Bill Earns His Pasta

The fabled Brazilians fall in 2 games to the Ukrainians. Next, Moscow is upset by Latvia. Then The Legends take the court facing an undersized German squad. USA draws the toilet side for the first game but finishes them off in 2 games to nil.