Stormtroopers Playing Volleyball: Just as Fantastic as it Sounds.

As a prelude to FanExpo Canada’s 2013 show, the 501st Canadian Garrison collaborated with the convention’s Public Relations to organize a volleyball match, intended to promote the show’s new Sports section. Believe it or not, we’re willing to take back a few of the spiteful things we’ve said about this change to FanExpo’s programming.

As if you needed another reminder about how purely badass the 501st are: 2 Stormtroopers, 1 Scout Trooper, 2 Tusken Raiders, Boba Fett and Princess Leia Organa (in her much-loved gold bikini) came out to play volleyball for a solid hour in 30-degree weather – and that’s celsius, kiddies!

To nobody’s surprise, the marksmanship of Stormtroopers isn’t that different from their skill at beach sports. The sand people naturally made everyone’s day with an endless supply of slapstick and antics as the game went on, while Fett and Leia performed valiantly. Or at least, as valiantly as possible while wearing a jetpack or gold g-string and trying to spike a volleyball.

While this event was a creative bridge between the Sports fandom and other areas of “geekdom”, it remains to be seen whether FanExpo and our own community can devise of more.

Now, hold onto your butts – this year’s show kicks off very soon!