Competitive Frisbee playing
View(s):The Colombo Ultimate Frisbee Hat Tournament takes place today (September 20) from 9 am to 4pm at Campbell Park. They’ve still got slots left for new teams- or you can simply head over for some food and music as a spectator.
Naven
Ultimate Frisbee is a competitive version of Frisbee that is exactly as fun as it sounds. Also known simply as Ultimate, it’s a non-contact team field sport played with a flying disc. Much like others of the genre points are scored by passing the disc to a team mate in the opposing end zone.
In the United States Ultimate originated in the 60s. In Asia Hat tournaments (where players join individually rather than as a team) have gained popularity in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore in particular.
“After just receiving recognition as an Olympic Sport we only expect the sport to spread faster,” says Naven Abayagunawardana, one of the organizers behind the event. In Sri Lanka, Ultimate Frisbee has been in the circuit for a number of years.
Naven and several other players, including fellow co-organizer Ruben Derkson have been playing for a few years but surprisingly a team from Ratnapura have played for longer (almost 12 years, we’re told.
They were introduced to the game by a visiting American and have played seriously since then. Over 25 Ratnapura players will attend the Hat tournament as well, as part of the CMB vs RAT game.
Ruben
At today’s event, you can sign up at the venue (registration to play is Rs. 500, others walk in free).The sign-up form will ask you to rate your playing abilities and you’ll be teamed up for games accordingly. “We definitely have a place for newcomers,” says Naven.
“We encourage people to come with their friends, family or work colleagues. Plenty of people who’ve never played the game before have already signed up” More than the competition the event is about enjoying your Sunday, he adds, sharing that there will be food, music and beverages-“with a base of Frisbee to wrap it up.”