Disc Golf Takes Flight at Wichita School's Earth Day Celebration

For Wichita's Earhart Environmental Magnet School, environmental awareness is more than just a motto – it's a way of life. With a school slogan that proclaims "No Child Left Indoors," the school is dedicated to getting its students outside and exploring nature. So when disc golf was chosen as this year's Earth Day activity, the school jumped at the opportunity.

First-year teacher Trey Thompson, who had recently installed a 9-hole disc golf course on the school grounds with the help of Dynamic Discs Course Design Team, saw an ideal chance to get his students involved in the sport. With the support of Principal Matt Malget, Thompson formed a 4th and 5th grade disc golf club that meets every Tuesday and Thursday after school.

Thompson's enthusiasm for disc golf was rewarded when he applied for and received a PDGA COVID-19 Physical Education Relief Grant. The grant provided additional equipment and resources to fuel the school's disc golf initiative, allowing Thompson to expand access to the sport for students, staff, families, and the surrounding community.

The clinic, headlined by professional disc golfers Des and Jay Reading, was a huge success. The Readings, who are also founding members of the non-profit Educational Disc Golf Experience (EDGE), brought their expertise and enthusiasm to the event. They were joined by grant partners EDGE and the Disc Golf Pro Tour, who donated lightweight Aviars for all participants to use.

The clinic included a range of activities, from putting sessions and basic instruction to relay games and drills found in the EDGE disc golf curriculum. The group was divided into two sections, with each section alternating between free play on the course and attending the putting session. This allowed everyone to get a more focused experience and make the most of their time.

As the day drew to a close, the students got to enjoy one of their favorite activities – a CTP contest and the Ring of Fire. The event was a resounding success, with over 20 students participating in the disc golf club and many more attending the clinic. With the support of the PDGA and EDGE, Earhart Environmental Magnet School is well on its way to becoming a hub for disc golf in Wichita.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/hall-famers-des-and-jay-reading-inspire-students-earhart-magnet-school