DSU Ultimate Frisbee Club throws out invitation to join
By Aaron Guillen, Staff Reporter
While baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball are only a few of the sports that the Douglas College Royals pride themselves in, Hannah Sanvido urges her fellow students to take part in an equally blood-pumping and vigorous sport: Ultimate Frisbee.
“Our club allows individuals a break to have fun, socialize, and get a workout. Furthermore, our club allows all people to play a sport in a recreational setting,” explained Sanvido.
Essentially, Ultimate is a non-contact sport that involves players working together to pass a frisbee into the opposing end zone. This fast-paced sport has gained popularity in the past few decades. After garnering global recognition, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has included the sport into the World Games, which takes place one year after every Summer Olympics.
Sandivo, one of the co-presidents of the DSU Ultimate Frisbee Club, founded the club with five other Douglas College students upon discovering a niche on campus. After speaking about her passion for Ultimate at a New Student Orientation, a group of eager Ultimate players joined her and began planning scrimmages.
“I think the club is unique in that it brings in players with different experiences, but nonetheless allows everyone to play together,” explained Sanvido. “Our members have a wide range of skill level, where some players will be touching the disc for the first time while others have played for club teams or even Team Canada. Right now, we offer less skill development and more so an opportunity to either familiarize members with the sport, or simply play a non-competitive game.”
While they don’t play against other schools, competition remains at a healthy level among those who show up for a scrimmage. Sanvido believes that with each new practice brings new experiences. As a player for five years, she still enjoys learning new techniques from members who are more advanced.
“Ultimate is a unique sport in that it emphasizes the spirit of the game. It is about sportsmanship, fair play, and camaraderie. Competitiveness is encouraged, but always comes second to encouragement and respect,” said Sanvido.
“With our club, each week brings new players and it is not necessary to show up to every practice. Additionally, everyone makes mistakes, throws out of bounds and drops discs, but everyone is very supportive and there are many experienced players willing to teach beginners. Come out if you want to flick [a flick is a throw].”
The DSU Ultimate Frisbee Club consists of two-hour practices, twice a week. After a short hibernation during the winter months, practices are planned to return starting on March 7.
Practices will be held at Moody Park in New Westminster on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
