Disc Golf Grant Aids 35 Schools in Bringing Fun to Students

In a move to expand youth access to disc golf, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has awarded equipment grants to 35 schools in the United States and Canada. This initiative, part of the PDGA's Youth and Education program, aims to introduce disc golf as a fun and engaging activity for students.

The grants, which span 23 states, have the potential to impact over 20,000 students each year. Each school received a package containing 50 age-appropriate discs, along with a standards-based curriculum called "Getting the EDGE," designed for grades 3-12. This program is made possible through partnerships with Gateway Disc Sports, Innova, Discraft, the Disc Golf Pro Tour, and EDGE.

Physical education teachers have been instrumental in discovering disc golf as an excellent lifetime activity for themselves and their students. One such teacher, Brian Cross, has shown remarkable initiative by improvising equipment to introduce disc golf to his school. His efforts demonstrate the enthusiasm and dedication that many educators bring to promoting this sport among young people.

The rise of professional disc golf tournaments and events has helped legitimize the sport, generating interest and excitement among fans. This increased exposure has inspired schools like Oakwood School in North Carolina to establish a thriving disc golf club. The school's students eagerly participate in local tournaments and have set their sights on attending major events such as the USDGC and DGPT Championship.

Other schools, including Broadmoor Junior High in Illinois, have also taken advantage of this opportunity. They received donated discs from the Disc Golf Pro Tour, which not only supports their program but also promotes brand recognition for the tour. These partnerships have the potential to create lasting connections between schools and the disc golf community.

At Glenwood Elementary in Tennessee, physical education teacher Travis Free has gone above and beyond by developing a nine-hole disc golf course within the gym area. This initiative has become one of the most popular activities among students, and with the recent grant award, they will soon have access to golf discs and baskets, elevating their experience.

Three schools received EDGE basic packages, which were funded through the Disc Golf Pro Tour's Community Connect initiative in partnership with EDGE. These packages included portable targets, 50 discs, and curriculum materials. The recipients of these grants demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting disc golf among under-served students, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity that defines this community.

Project Partners provided a diverse range of age-appropriate discs, including Aviars, Buzzzs, Cobras, Magics, Mystics, and Wizards. These donations were evenly distributed among elementary, middle, and high schools, highlighting the commitment to supporting disc golf programs nationwide.

The PDGA Youth and Education program is dedicated to supporting school disc golf clubs and organized play initiatives. While this grant opportunity has closed, more programs and opportunities are on the horizon for youth clubs and enthusiasts.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/pdga-announces-physical-education-covid-19-grant-awardees