The East is On

There’s soccer, and there’s volleyball. And nary the twain shall meet. Unless, of course, you live in Asia where kick-volleyball, or sepak takraw, is played. The sport is even more amazing than it is rare. Players kick a small ball, called a rattan, over a net that is about head-high. Participants don’t merely loop the ball over the net like drunk beach-goers, though. Instead, they fly through the air with dynamic bicycle kicks, legs and feet easily clearing the net, to spike the ball at opponents. Get your first look at the sport during the 21st annual Asian Culture Festival at Fruit and Spice Park (24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead) this weekend. The tournament is one of many activities scheduled for the two-day event that begins Saturday at 10 a.m. A myriad of Asian cultures, including Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Malaysian, and even Iranian (yes, Iran is considered part of Asia) will be represented. Chinese Dragon Boats will be on display, and there will be performances by Japanese Taiko drummers as well as origami demos, folk dances, music, other rare sports, and, of course, an array of Asian foods for those with spicy palates.
March 5-6, 10 a.m., 2011