Colombia's First Disc Golf Course Brings Joy to Youth at YMCA Camp Bochica

Colombia's first-ever disc golf course has been launched at the scenic YMCA camp, Campamento Bochica, in Bogotá, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated volunteer from the United States. Joe Feidt, who traveled to Colombia with a group of volunteers and members from Minnesota and Wisconsin in 2018, had an idea to introduce disc golf to the country.

The project began when Feidt met with Hamel Oviedo, the director of Campamento Bochica, and proposed setting up a temporary disc golf course using portable baskets. However, Feidt soon realized that a more permanent solution was needed, and he applied for a PDGA Marco Polo grant to bring a set of Innova Traveler baskets to Colombia.

To transport the equipment, Feidt had a novel idea – to check the bags as luggage on his flight from the US. The bags were carefully packed with four portable baskets, 50 golf discs, and other essentials, weighing in at around 48 pounds each. Despite some initial concerns about customs regulations, the bags made it through without issue.

The course was set up over a weekend in June, with Feidt training over 70 YMCA volunteers on how to play disc golf. The group, which ranged in age from nine to mid-20s, were enthusiastic and eager to learn. Many had never heard of disc golf before, but they quickly picked up the rules and techniques.

The course was a huge success, with teams competing in a tournament and many players showing off their skills. Feidt was particularly impressed by Nicolas, a nine-year-old who competed in the tournament and emerged as a winner. "He had a knack for the game and a passion that was inspiring to see," said Feidt.

The project has been hailed as a success, with Feidt estimating that it cost significantly less than anticipated – around $1,860 compared to the budgeted $2,364. The YMCA camp in Bogotá paid for most of Feidt's expenses, and Delta Airlines even provided free shipping for the equipment.

Feidt is now looking forward to checking in with Mónica Agudelo and Hamel Oviedo at the end of the summer to see how the project has progressed. He hopes that disc golf will continue to grow in popularity in Colombia and beyond, inspiring a new generation of players and course designers.

The project has also highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership between organizations and individuals. Feidt credits the PDGA staff and board for their support, as well as the YMCA volunteers who helped make the project a success. "It's been an incredible experience, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to bring disc golf to Colombia," said Feidt.

As he reflects on his time at Campamento Bochica, Feidt is filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. "The kids were so enthusiastic and passionate about playing disc golf – it was inspiring to see," he said. "I have no doubt that this sport will continue to grow in popularity in Colombia, and I'm excited to be a part of it."

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/campamento-bochica-colombias-first-disc-golf-course