Some of Canada’s finest yo-yo players were in Calgary on the long weekend to compete in the national championships. About 40 competitors took part at the Central Library. There were two divisions: the championship division, which focusses on traditional yo-yo, and an open division, highlighting different styles of yo-yoing. Judges were looking for showmanship and how well competitors interacted with their chosen music. Competition organizer Jungyo Choi explains what judges were looking for: “Trick complexity, what types of trick complexity, difficulties, originality, and their overall body composure also matters too.” Competitor Ian Sadio has been yo-yoing for about 14 years. “It’s one of those things that has kind of grown with me over the years,” he said. “It’s a creative outlet, and just something really fun to do.” Winners from the competition will go to Japan for the world yo-yo contest later this year.
