Come out to play - it's a great way to meet the neighbours.

Get in-line Did you know that Vancouver is ranked in the top 10 cities in North America for rollerblading? With some of the city's most spectacular waterfront scenery and beautifully maintained seawalk pathways, the Concord neighbourhood is a perfect place to get started. The Indy Lane track area east of the Plaza of Nations is one of the most popular "learn to blade" areas. According to Lorne Milne, a member of Vancouver's International In-Line Skating Association Skate Patrol and a certified instructor, protective gear and lessons are the key to safe, fun blading at any age. "We'd really like to see people in there with the gear and taking some lessons," says Milne. In the neighbourhood, Outa-Line Inline at 1251 Pacific Boulevard has full skate and pad rentals at $6 per hour, with lessons available. The store also offers a full selection of performance in-line skates and accessories. For more information on blading, visit www.englishbay.com. Intermediate skaters can call Lorne Milne at 708-1055 for information about joining the Skate Patrol.

Ultimate. It's a whole new ball game. You see it around the neighbourhood - at David Lam Park, Andy Livingston Park, and at the Urban Beach between Coopers' Park and the Plaza of Nations. So what is it? Well, it's actually not a ball game at all. Ultimate is a non-contact field sport played with a frisbee and two 7-player teams. Like football, the object is to score goals in the opposing team's end zone. The frisbee may only be moved by passing, and when a pass is incomplete, out of bounds or intercepted, a turnover of possession occurs. That's the gist of the rules, but the real point of the game is the basic joy of play, the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, and mutual respect between players. "Our philosophy is simple. Play hard. Have fun. Respect other players on the field and don't be a win-at-all-costs wienie," notes the League web site. Spirit and a co-ed roster are a big part of Ultimate's success (teams have a 4:3 male/female ratio). The best way to see how Ultimate is played is to come out to watch a game. For more information, call the VSSC Ultimate League at 879-9800 or check out www.sportandsocialclubs.ca