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WFDF closes out 2019 with impressive turnout for International Spirit of the Game Day

In News, News, Spirit of the Game by WFDF

The World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) ended the decade by bringing together the Ultimate community for the annual International Spirit of the Game Day celebrations. More than 500 activities from at least 34 countries were held across the world on December 7 in honor of Spirit of the Game, a core and guiding element of the sports of Ultimate and Guts.

Participants were encouraged to share their love of Spirit of the Game on social media by posting about their events or sharing artwork on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Submissions came in the form of videos, articles, drawings, and more. More than 20 international vendors partnered with WFDF to offer merchandise as part of the festivities.

“The players, teams and organizations that supported these international activities —and the 21 vendors who supplied prizes this year —understand there’s so much more to Spirit of the Game than simply sportsmanship,” said Travis F. Smith, outgoing chair of the WFDF SOTG Committee. “iSOTG Day is our community’s annual opportunity to explore how Spirit of the Game can be better expressed and improved. Each year I’m blown away seeing how many people care so intensely about Spirit and its central role in disc sport.”

More information can be found on the official website of the event: http://www.spiritofthegameday.org/

Organized by the World Flying Disc Federation in partnership this year with the charitable organization Early Recognition Is Critical (E.R.I.C.), International Spirit of the Game Day encourages Ultimate communities around the world to celebrate and reflect on Spirit of the Game by hosting events, clinics and activities where players can have fun, and discuss and demonstrate good spirit.

Spirit of the Game is the mindful behavior practiced by players worldwide in a mutual effort to protect the basic joy of play. It makes self-officiation possible, encourages personal responsibility, and encompasses attitudes and skills such as good knowledge of the rules, fair-mindedness, safe play, clear and calm communication, and a positive and respectful attitude.

“We want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s celebration of spirit,” stated Robert “Nob” Rauch, WFDF President. “There were some really creative demonstrations of Spirit and we hope that this fosters a truly global collaborative understanding of what Spirit of the Game means.”

Last month, WFDF also released its updated list of Spirit of the Game scores by country. This list aggregates the Spirit scores received by countries attending WFDF world and continental championship events for Ultimate and Beach Ultimate over the past four years. The scores can be found here: release on WFDF site.