On Saturday June 10, the Washington Area Frisbee Club (WAFC) hosted an ultimate frisbee event: “the Start of Summer DC Tourney” to benefit ECDC Enterprise Development Group (EDG). Frisbee aficionados and novices from the DC metro area assembled at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, VA for a full day of ultimate fun. 200 people took part, forming 16 teams. Their generosity in support of the cause raised $3,250! EDG staff Ephrem Negash , Elsa Desta, and Drew Tulchin shared information about EDG, what the work is like lending to immigrants, and the challenges facing new comers to America. “The speakers from EDG really connected for us the importance and challenges of this work, as well as the value of our donation while doing something we like to do – play frisbee,” one player reflected at the end of the day.
The event was certainly enhanced by the support of the primary sponsors: Calvert Group – a socially responsible investment company, and Honest Tea – a Bethesda based company specializing in organic bottled tea. Other sponsors also made valuable in-kind contributions. Route 11 Potato Chips, Flow Yoga Center, Parkway Deli & Restaurant, and Papa John’s pizza.
The day featured competitive, fun, and spirited ultimate Frisbee. Ultimate Frisbee is played on a field close in size to a soccer field, with endzones. Players must throw the Frisbee to each other, but cannot run with it. No contact is allowed. Finally, the game is self-officiated, there are no referees.
Teams displayed greatness throughout the day. First, the number of participants was perfect, 16 teams is a great number for an ultimate Frisbee tournament. The windy day took some players a bit of getting used to, but there were plenty of great hucks (a long throw), layouts (people diving), and even zone (a set defense).
Congrats to event winners Team Houston, who defeated the team Arranged Marriage in the Final. Honorable mentions go to: Wicked Simple clearly had the best face paint...Chomp and Unclique had the longest game with a great come-back at the cap...Toast had the most fans...The two formations of groups of picked up players did quite well to become teams. Spirits were high. The sun shown. Excellent snacks were on hand – PB&J sandwiches, watermelon, Honest Tea, and Route 11 Chips. “We were very impressed and appreciative of the frisbee players’ efforts and generosity on behalf of EDG,” said EDG’s Director, Drew Tulchin. Thanks also to WAFC for being such a great partner. EDG thanks you and looks forward to doing this again.
