Disc Golf Community Raises $7,462 for Breast Cancer Awareness with Throw Pink Initiative

The disc golf community has once again demonstrated its generosity and dedication to a good cause. In October, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) launched the Throw Pink initiative, donating $2 for each competitor playing in a gender-based division at C-tier and above tournaments worldwide. This successful fundraiser raised an impressive $7,462 for breast cancer awareness and research.

The PDGA's partnership with Throw Pink is part of its ongoing efforts to encourage women and girls to participate in disc golf events and promote physical activity among this demographic. The program was founded in 2013 with the aim of making a difference for women's health initiatives, specifically breast cancer.

October saw an incredible number of women and girls taking part in PDGA-sanctioned events worldwide. A total of 843 tournaments were held across 38 countries, with 627 of those events featuring female competitors. The United States led the way, hosting 2,611 female participants, followed by Canada with 253.

Some standout events included the Sparkle Open women's only C-tier in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which drew a record 73 female players from multiple states. In Latin America, the Build it and They Will Come Anniversary event in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico, celebrated its 10th anniversary with an impressive 13 women participating.

Throw Pink's founder, Sara Nicholson, expressed her gratitude to the PDGA and the disc golf community for their support: "I'm honored beyond words. Thank you for choosing Throw Pink for the first year, kicking this amazing initiative back off." The organization aims to encourage women and girls to engage in physical activity through disc golf events, promoting a healthy lifestyle and community bonding.

The event with the most junior girls playing in October was the 2nd Crested Crane Classic Championship in Kampala, Uganda, which featured an impressive 29 young players. This event was led by Tournament Director Israel Muwanguzi, who has been instrumental in growing disc golf in Uganda. The country's PDGA membership is steadily increasing, with 13 women and girls registered, and several events held this year.

Other notable events included the Latitude 64 Jõulumäe Open by DG Academy in Estonia, which drew 34 female competitors, and the Taupō Thermal Throwdown in New Zealand, which featured 20 participants. In the United States, the Drive to USWDGC Tournament Series #1: Bullitt County event saw 19 women competing in its first installment.

The disc golf community's generosity extends beyond this initiative, with many players participating in charity events through the PDGA's Competition Endowment Program (CEP). A total of 17 CEP events featuring female participants were held in October. The program allows Tournament Directors to hold events that raise funds for a registered charity or 501(c)3 organization.

The success of this fundraiser is a testament to the power of community and the positive impact that disc golf can have on people's lives. As Sara Nicholson emphasized, "Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this fundraiser." The PDGA and Throw Pink will continue their efforts to promote women's participation in disc golf and support breast cancer awareness initiatives worldwide.

PHOTO: A group of players at a Throw Pink event.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/2024bca-donate