Disc Golf Community Commits to Greater Diversity and Inclusion

As the global disc golf community began to revive after the COVID-19 pandemic, it was faced with an opportunity to address long-standing issues of racial diversity and inclusion. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others sparked widespread protests and conversations about systemic racism, prompting many organizations to re-evaluate their commitment to diversity.

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Board of Directors responded by establishing the Diversity and Outreach Task Force with a mission to recruit and retain underrepresented populations within its membership. The task force is co-chaired by Justin Menickelli, PDGA President, who emphasized the organization's renewed commitment to addressing diversity and inclusion.

Menickelli acknowledged that while previous efforts had been made to increase diversity among disc golfers, the new task force signals a significant shift in priority. "We want more success stories," he said. "More programs, more workshops, and more initiatives designed to increase diversity in our membership." The task force will focus on identifying and developing strategies to promote greater representation from underrepresented groups.

A key component of the task force's efforts is the creation of a new Diversity and Outreach Grant Program, which will provide financial support for projects that aim to bring players from diverse backgrounds into the sport. Menickelli emphasized that this program will be more targeted and better funded than previous initiatives, with a focus on harnessed creativity from PDGA members.

The task force is composed of 11 members, including women and people of color, who represent a range of expertise and experience in disc golf. Among them is Rebecca Cox, a professional touring pro who has become an advocate for diversity in the sport. She acknowledged that her own presence on tour had opened doors for players from underrepresented backgrounds, but also recognized the importance of using her influence to promote change.

Cox's efforts have extended beyond the task force, as she co-founded Diversify Disc Golf with Sally Chatman. This non-profit organization aims to reach players who are discovering disc golf and provide them with support and encouragement. Cox sees a direct connection between the task force and her work with Diversify Disc Golf, emphasizing that they will complement each other in promoting diversity at all levels of the sport.

The PDGA Board made a pledge this summer to prioritize diversity and inclusion, and both Menickelli and Cox are determined to ensure that this commitment doesn't fade over time. They believe that diversity brings unique perspectives and creativity, leading to innovation within the sport. The task force will meet monthly throughout 2021 before transitioning into a standing PDGA Committee.

The Diversity and Outreach Grant Program is expected to be announced soon, with details shared through PDGA Media and promoted across social media channels.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/pdga-diversity-and-outreach-task-force-takes-flight