Fit & Fun |

Street Bike Polo — also known as Hardcourt Bike Polo — was first played in Seattle in 1998 by bike messengers looking to unwind after work.

One of those players was the aptly named Matt Messenger, who has since found other work, but still plays the urban game that consists of teams of bike riders using mallets to swat a ball toward a goal.

"Polo was and still is a DIY sport for the most part," Messenger said. "It has spread to every continent and is very organized with tournaments being played about every weekend around the world." (Seattle hosted the world championship last year).

Players convene on multiuse courts at Cal Anderson Park and Judkins Park. Messenger suggests newcomers come during "open play," which starts about 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The club may host a special day aimed at newcomers. "We even might have bikes and mallets to use," said Messenger.

Play can get aggressive, so Messenger suggests beginners think safety and wear a helmet, elbow and knee pads and gloves.

See www.Seattlebikepolo.com for more information.

Fit & Fun is a weekly notice about active recreational opportunities in the Greater Seattle area. To suggest a future item, contact Richard Seven: rseven@seattletimes.com.