It looks to be an Ultimate summer

When most people think of Frisbee, they conjure up images of throwing a disc back and forth and playing in the hot summer sand.

But Frisbee has become more than that. And for one thing: it’s not referred to as Frisbee any more.

“It’s called Ultimate. Plain and simple,” said Corey Draper, executive director of the Manitoba Organization of Disc Sports (MODS).

“The only time we say Frisbee is to give a novice a familiar word to link it to.”

Novices may not be familiar with the word, but within the last 10 years, Ultimate has become one of the hottest sports in Manitoba.

And it continues to grow.

MODS saw itself grow from 32 teams in 1997 to 183 teams last year, said Draper.

“We’re growing so fast, that we’re finding it hard to find space in parks to play. It’s almost like we’re competing with other sports for space,” he said.

However, shortages of space soon won’t be an issue.

Draper said MODS has leased land from the City and will be opening its very own park at the end of this summer in Maple Groove Park.

One of the main reasons Ultimate has taken off is its very inexpensive to play, said Draper.

“All you need is grass and a disc.”

Draper said another reason the sport also works is that it truly is a co-ed sport.

“It’s a great way for singles to meet one another and for couples to do something active together.”

The age group is all over the map, said Draper, with the average player being a more mature age.

And with no additional expenses, such as hiring a referee, Draper said “this makes the sport the perfect fit as programming for youth in underprivileged and rural areas where there isn’t much money for sports.”

The organization is involved with Gordon Bell and Elmwood High School. It also does clinics for the Boys and Girls Club.

Besides Ultimate, MODS also promotes and develops other disc sports within Manitoba, such as disc golf and goaltimate.

MODS was founded in 1988 and will celebrate its 20th birthday this summer.

Kim Spires has been playing Ultimate for eight years and loves the challenges that come with it.

“It’s a very physical sport. The players that find it a challenge are those that are used to playing with a referee. Because Ultimate doesn’t have referees, it can take some getting used to. You really have to let go of the competitive side and work as a team.”

Every four years, there is a World Championship. And every two years a World Cup Championship.

“With the World Cup Championship, you can have more than one team per country compete,” he said.

Registration for the season begins April 1. For more information, call 925-5665 or visit www.mods.mb.ca.