Disc Golf Takes Flight in Bogota, Colombia

In a remarkable example of community spirit and determination, the city of Bogota in Colombia has become a hotspot for disc golf enthusiasts. What was once a small group of players has grown into a thriving community, with five temporary courses already up and running. The initiative behind this success story is the Bogota Plays Disc Golf project, which aims to promote the sport throughout the region.

The journey began in 2020 when Julio Castro had an idea to bring together local players and stakeholders for a putting tournament at Simon Bolivar Metropolitan Park. This event marked the beginning of a wider movement, as players started discussing ways to establish more permanent disc golf facilities in Bogota. The Bogota Plays Disc Golf project was born out of these conversations, with the goal of creating a legitimate and institutionalized space for players to enjoy the sport.

With support from the PDGA's Marco Polo program, the project has made significant strides in its first two years. In 2021, the team applied for funding and received valuable resources that have enabled them to manufacture baskets, purchase equipment, and develop programs for schools, universities, and community spaces. The project has also led to the creation of PDGA C-tier competitions, which have raised the bar for quality and standardization in disc golf.

One of the most impressive achievements of the Bogota Plays Disc Golf project is its ability to bring people from different social spheres together through the sport. By introducing disc golf as a fun and inclusive activity, the project has helped build bridges between communities and fostered a sense of unity among players. Furthermore, the initiative has sparked conversations with government entities about installing permanent courses in Bogota, which would be a major milestone for the city's disc golf community.

While there have been some challenges along the way, including time constraints and institutional willingness, the project team remains optimistic about its future. They are confident that the inputs from the Marco Polo program will continue to benefit neighboring towns and regions, paving the way for the growth of disc golf in Colombia as a whole.

As we look ahead to 2023, it's clear that Bogota is on the cusp of becoming a major hub for disc golf enthusiasts. With its vibrant community spirit and commitment to promoting the sport, the city is well-positioned to achieve this goal and cement its place as a leader in the world of disc golf.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

(Story & Photos by Mateo Velasco, PDGA #190801)

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