Disc Golf Community Takes Step Towards Greater Diversity

In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent Black Lives Matter movement, the disc golf community was forced to confront its own racial and ethnic disparities. A 2018 study revealed that only 9% of disc golfers on social media identified as non-white, highlighting a long-standing issue within the sport.

In response, the PDGA's Board of Directors, led by President Justin Menickelli, created the Diversity and Outreach Task Force. This initiative aims to recruit and retain underrepresented populations within the PDGA membership while encouraging positive social change within the global disc golf community.

Menickelli emphasized that this new commitment is not a departure from previous efforts but rather a strengthened focus on increasing diversity. "We haven't been around for very long, so we can't say we've always gotten it right," he said. "But now is the time to prioritize it."

One of the key strategies will be the establishment of a Diversity and Outreach Grant Program, which will provide financial support for projects that promote greater diversity within the sport. Menickelli noted that past efforts have been successful but often lacked sufficient funding. This new program aims to address these limitations.

The Task Force is comprised of 11 members, including six women, five men, three PhDs, and a JD. The group represents a range of ages, backgrounds, and experiences within the sport. Philo Brathwaite, a touring professional disc golfer, is one of the few players representing diverse demographics in the professional ranks.

Rebecca Cox, a professional touring pro and co-founder of Diversify Disc Golf, a non-profit organization aimed at increasing diversity in disc golf, has been instrumental in shaping the Task Force. She noted that her presence on tour had an impact on opening doors for players from underrepresented groups.

Cox's work with Diversify Disc Golf is closely tied to the PDGA Diversity and Outreach Task Force, which she sees as a vital component of increasing diversity within the sport. "The task force is directly connected to the PDGA," she explained. "It's a way to communicate with high-profile individuals and apply ideas from our non-profit work."

Both Menickelli and Cox are resolute in their commitment to ensuring that the Task Force and efforts to increase diversity do not fade over time. As Menickelli stated, "We firmly believe that there is strength in diversity. When you bring people together with unique perspectives, creativity emerges."

The PDGA Diversity and Outreach Task Force will meet monthly throughout 2021 before transitioning into a standing committee. Details of the Diversity and Outreach Grant Program are expected to be announced soon through PDGA 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