By Natalie Sisson

If you've never heard of Ultimate Frisbee then listen up.  Contrary to what you may think, this isn't just an activity played with a dog in a park.

Ultimate Frisbee is one of the most physically demanding sports I've ever played, and it's loved by millions all over the world who are part of the community addicted to the sport.

I say sport, because although many people play recreationally there are thousands who play at the competitive level and compete at World Championship level.

It mixes the best features of sports such as Soccer, Basketball, American Football and Netball into an elegantly simple yet fascinating and demanding game.

If you don't believe me then perhaps you'll believe The Wall Street Journal who said: "..ultimate frisbee combines speed, grace and powerful hurling with a grueling pace."

Here's a quick lowdown on Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate is played by two opposing teams with 7 people aside. The object of the game is to move the disc down the field to score in the endzone - like in American Football.

Games last from 60-90 minutes plus and involve a lot of running, sprinting, jumping and diving as you race to get to the disc on offence before your defender.

There's many different strategies involved, horizontal and vertical plays, more throws then you'd ever imagine and a whole lot of tactics to employ. For those of you starting out though it's just a ton of fun.

For full details visit this Wikipedia page.

If you want to get in shape this summer then I encourage you to check out the Vancouver Ultimate League website and see the beginner clinics they're holding which are fantastic. You'll learn all the different throwing techniques and basics of the game.

Then you can get yourself on one of the many Summer League teams that play all over Vancouver from now through until the end of summer. There's nothing better than being outside in the sunshine with a bunch of friendly and spirited players who welcome you to our community.

What's even better is there are no referees in this game. Ultimate is unique in that it is refereed by the players themselves, even at World Championship level, according to a code of conduct known as "the Spirit of the Game". This places the responsibility for fair play on the players themselves and it works!

So if you're interested in trying it out for yourself and have played a little before on the beach or in a park then feel free to sign up for the Wild West Mixed Hat Tournament on Sunday 30th May.

It's being hosted by Zephyr - the Vancouver's Womens team that won bronze at Canadian Nationals last year and secured our right to play at the World Ultimate Club Championships in Prague from July 3-10.

This is a fundraiser to help get our whole squad to this amazing 7 day tournament. We've been generously supported to date by One-Apparel, Ceilis Irish Pub, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Arc End and SportMart.

However we are always open to key sponsors to help us cover the considerable costs of representing our city at a World Class event. If you're interested in having your company exposed to thousands of international players and supporters contact me today!

Here's a short video showing a little more about what Ultimate Frisbee means to Zephyr

By Natalie Sisson

Do you own your own business or are looking to start one? Are you a consultant or contractor? Service-based freelancers of all kinds, rejoice — you're no longer alone. Freelance Camp Vancouver is rolling into town.

If you're serious about freelancing then you need to put Saturday 29th May 2010 in your calendar and hit up this website to register.

Freelance Camps have seen enormous success in the US over the last two years due to their unique and relaxed environment encouraging great discussions, interactions and the open exchange of ideas.

What exactly is a FreelanceCamp?

It's an opportunity to connect and engage with both new and experienced freelancers, potential employers and partners  who are all experiencing the explosive growth of the freelance market.

You will be treated to a full day of `unconference' style sessions from people with a diverse range of expertise. Presenters are nominated and chosen on the day by you and other participants to cover topics like:

• How to set up a consultancy
• The best use of marketing to attract clients
• The art of business ethics and;
• Accounting for "solopreneurs"

What's in it for me?

If you're in the business of selling your services then Freelance Camp is for you. This is the perfect opportunity to get experience based answers to your questions.

What's more you can network and meet like-minded people running successful freelance businesses and form partnerships and collaborations.

Where is the FreelanceCamp Vancouver?

The Network Hub
422 Richards Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2Z4
May 29, 2010, from 9am - 5pm

Register at http://freelancecamp.thenetworkhub.ca today as space is limited and you deserve to be there.

Also it's being organized by a talented group of lovely ladies including Amanda Farough, Minna Van, Cecilia Lu, Cathy Browne and myself! Come join us on Twitter @604freelancers

Natalie Sisson is a Kiwi entrepreneur and adventurer who's passionate about getting more women into business. Find out why at WomanzWorld.com ‘The Ultimate Resource for Female Entrepreneurs’.
Connect with her on Twitter @womanzworld and @nataliesisson

By Natalie Sisson. Catch me on Twitter @nataliesisson

On Sunday I caught a ridiculously early morning Greyhound bus to Whistler. Despite a raging headcold (which I attribute to the influx of international visitors for the Olympics and their germs), it was by far and away the best decision ever.

Here's why:

1. There's no traffic. VANOC have done a fantastic job of scaring people off from driving to Whistler. So much so that there's no-one on the road and the bus trip took just 90 minutes. By the way you can easily purchase a permit for $20 to drive to Whistler for the day and they even have a special parking venue for you.

2. The holiday vibe. Whistler had a great atmosphere but was very chill and relaxed compared to the craziness of downtown Vancouver (kind of the flip from how it normally is). Yes there were many more people but it seemed less rushed and people were just enjoying the large screen at the base of Whistler showing the Olympics, and interacting with the CTV reporters who were wanding along the lanes speaking to visitors.

3. The weather was phenomenal, sunshine, blue skies and seriously not a cloud in the sky. But more importantly there was next to no-one on the mountain. Unbelievable. Seventh Heaven on Blackcomb really was like being in heaven, no line ups, no one on the runs and great snow. Possibly THE best time to ski or board ever!

4. The entertainment. Sam Roberts was playing to a enthusiastic crowd in the village square and the restaurants and bars were packed with people having fun, cheering and of course wearing red.

It helped to have friends who hadn't gone skiing to save a few tables inside the Amsterdam Cafe so we could watch the game AND swivel around to watch Sam Roberts. I'll admit there were people lining up to get into places but the thing is you could also just stand in the square and watch the game on the big screen.

Check it out in this short video that shows the atmosphere:

The funniest thing I saw all day had to be the amount of people catching the Blackcomb Gondola up to watch the Bobsleigh at 3pm - normally the time when everyone's heading off the mountain to visit the Longhorn or GLC.

So what are you waiting for - get up there!

Natalie Sisson is a Kiwi entrepreneur, adventurer and lover of Ultimate Frisbee. You can find her blog at WomanzWorld.com and tweet with her on @nataliesisson

By Natalie Sisson

On Friday night I attended the Eco Fashion Forward Fundraising event held at the Vancouver Public Library with an emphasis on making the clothing industry friendly with our planet. Did you know that the average American throws away 68 pounds of clothes and textiles each year?

The event was part of Vancouver Eco Fashion Week and showcased a selection of the best eco-designers from around the world and their latest collections of environmentally friendly, trend-setting fashion. Designers included Adhesif, Ashley Watson, Dotted Loop, Kim Cathers, Nixxi and We3.

The night began with opening speeches by Lindsay Coulter from the David Suzuki Foundation and Kim Cathers, noted designer from Project Runway Canada and board of director member of Our Social Fabric.

We were treated to the sultry voice of Jill Barber before VEFW Creator Myriam Laroche introduced the fashion show.

The innovative use of the space saw the six models posing above the crowd, each in their own balcony area and dancing with the music.

The first spotlight would showcase the first designer outfit and work it's way towards the centre, so the audience could watch from both sides and see the fashion on display.

After that I decided I should finally check out Robson Square and Granville. I picked the most crazy night ever, according to media. I'm so glad I took the chance to experience an absolute sea of people swarming the streets. Yelling, screaming, singing `Oh Canada', high fiving everyone, it was amazing.

The police were smiling, the crowd was friendly and exuberant and there was red Canadian pride everywhere - huge flags, red mittens, tattos on faces and close to 50% of the people wearing something with Canada on that was red and white.

At 11pm there was a great light show, complete with fireworks, fireballs and ziplining skiiers and snowboarders. Everyone stood crammed in the streets to watch it and then carry on the celebration. Madness that was energising.

Since a picture paints a thousand words I'll let them do the talking.

Natalie Sisson is a Kiwi entrepreneur, adventurer and lover of Ultimate Frisbee. You can find her blog at WomanzWorld.com and tweet with her on @nataliesisson

By Natalie Sisson

Yes, whether you think it's a sport or not, Curling has to be one of the most fun events to attend. The crowds are crazy, committed and love Curling.

I got to attend my first Olympic Event on Thursday night at the Vancouver Olympic Centre, an easy walk from the Canada line. The place was packed, the cowbells were ringing, the alcohol was flowing and everyone was so friendly.

We had great seats one row from the front and got chatting to our new friends in front from Norway, Sweden and Denmark - all the countries competing that night.

The set up was almost too much to handle, four games going on at the same time mean a lot of action to take in. We were closest to Sweden and China that was the last game going into overtime with Sweden just beating China 6-5.

On the far side of the venue the Canadian's kicked the French 12-5 and finished early and earned a standing ovation from the crowd and several mexican waves.

Curling is a very strategic game with a huge amount of finesse needed to make those rocks glide into the right position, and the guards to do their job. That's about the extent of my knowledge but I certainly have a great appreciation and really want to get out and play.

By Natalie Sisson

On Tuesday night I attended my first ever Olympic Games Victory Ceremony. My friend got last minute tickets to go and see the medals being awarded to the deserving athletes and of course the Barenaked Ladies.

BC Place looked amazing and the crowd was pumped. If you can get yourself along during the games I highly recommend it, it's an opportunity not to be missed, just to say you were part of it.

It's super easy to get to BC Place, either via Olympic Stadium on the Sky Train or you can walk from anywhere downtown. We walked over the Cambie Street bridge and took in the atmosphere and the incredible lights over the water.

Once we go there we were well guided by friendly staff who directed us to the security check where the lines were moving quickly and it took less than 10 minutes to get in.

Each night represents a different province, and for us it was Nova Scotia night. This meant some excellent entertainment from this region transitioning smoothly into the awarding of the medals.

We were treated to live medal presentations in men’s and ladies’ snowboard cross which meant Canadian Silver Medalist, Mike Robertson got a huge standing ovation, as well as men’s 500-metre speed skating.

Then I'd say most of the crowd were fooled when they showed the live medal presentations in men’s alpine skiing (super combined), women’s luge and biathlon (women’s 10-km pursuit and men’s 12.5-km pursuit) which were happening in Whistler, but felt like they were right there in BC Place.

All this was less than 40 minutes and then we were entertained by the Barenaked Ladies who were singing and joking and making up some fab Olympic lyrics saying that we just shouldn't worry about the various opening ceremony

Natalie Sisson is a Kiwi entrepreneur, adventurer and lover of Ultimate Frisbee. You can find her blog at WomanzWorld.com and tweet with her on @nataliesisson

By Natalie Sisson

Today I was lucky to attend a fantastic lunch seminar put on by the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE) at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The theme was `Being the Torchbearer in your business and community’ and was perfectly aligned with the Olympics.

• Tina Osen, CEO, Hub International Insurance Brokers
• Tracey McVicar, Olympic torch bearer, CAI Capital Management, FWE Board of Directors
• Christina Anthony, Olympic torch bearer, Odlum Brown Limited & Founder/President of FWE
• Chris Clark, CEO & Canadian Senior Partner of PwC

Christine and Natalie with Olympic torch

As true leaders I found their insights heartening, honest and humbling. Each of them had come into their role as a leader from different paths.

A common thread that weaved between all four speakers was that leadership comes from a place of serving. Taking ego out of it and putting everyone else first.

How can I best serve?, how can I empower you in your role?, how can I make you an enamored customer?

According to Michigan Ross School of Business, three critical characteristics necessary for business leadershipsuccess are mindfulness, sense making and resilience. It was apparent from today that heart is also a big factor.

I refer to heart as passion, a desire to make a difference, to be the change and to ensure that those you impact have the ability to become leaders too.

All the athletes at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games are showing true leadership qualities in their chosen field by exhibiting leadership characteristics each time they step up to compete. This is what makes them so inspiring to watch and learn from.It’s truly energizing.

It takes true leadership to remain devoted and committed to your cause, your individual or team pursuit and your business. Let’s look to ourselves to become Torchbearers in our lives. Go light that flame to burn eternally in the hearts and minds of others.

Natalie Sisson is a Kiwi entrepreneur, adventurer and lover of Ultimate Frisbee. You can find her blog at WomanzWorld.com and tweet with her on @nataliesisson

Brought to you by Natalie Sisson

Today is truly a spectacular day for Vancouver. It’s the official start of the Olympic 2010 Winter Games – just in case you hadn't noticed. For the next two weeks Vancouver, like so many cities before it, will have its chance to show the world what it's got!

What I’m really looking forward to is the international injection Vancouver will receive. Will we all become addicted to Bratwurst and Lederhosen or Irish Guinness? Will we stand around in the streets trying on different accents for size, using hand gestures excessively like the French and Italians? I for one will be fascinated to see the enduring effect all this will have on the local scene once the Olympics crowds leave our shores.

This morning, standing on the corner of Richards and Water Street, I got a small taste of this as I witness the Olympic torch go by along with the throng of people who came out to support. People just kept appearing and the crowd grew bigger, the cheers got louder, the red flags waved frantically and every single piece of technology imaginable came out to capture the action.

How could one not help getting carried away with the moment? I don’t think people quite know what’s going to hit them over the next 14 days and beyond. With a party going on all over the city as well as the all the Olympic events, there just seems to be too much to take in.

In fact, I calculated that I would not be able to attend every single event even if I didn’t sleep or work for the next two weekss. So with that in mind, here are my best picks for making sure you capture the essence of Vancouver 2010 without being overwhelmed.

First off, here’s a great 1 page map of the downtown Vancouver Olympic pavilions

For a list of the LiveCity Vancouver events both in Yaletown and Downtown for both the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics Winter Games this is your best site. It has a ton of free concerts and activities on every single day that you get to pick from - what a treat.

If you have a sexy iPhone then why not install the FREE Vancouver2010 Guide which not only looks awesome but has the complete list of daily events, venues and headlines as well as a medal update section and all the ways to Twitter.

Of course it wouldn’t be complete without the official Vancouver2010 site itself.

The other option is the Facebook page that has over 460,000 fans. Plus this Facebook event list.

I actually think you’re best bet during the Olympics is something I usually try not to do – and that is, simply to follow the crowds. Take a chance and just walk into the action, soak it all in and have the time of your life. This is a once and a lifetime opportunity not to be missed.

Enjoy

Natalie Sisson is a Kiwi entrepreneur, adventurer and lover of Ultimate Frisbee. You can find her blog at WomanzWorld.com - the Ultimate Resource for Female Entrepreneurs, and evangelising about FundRazr - a Facebook application that empowers social commerce in social networks.
Connect with her on Twitter @nataliesisson and @womanzworld