Disc Golf Takes Flight in Colombia with YMCA Camp Bochica
Date Published
In a heartwarming tale of cultural exchange and grassroots growth, disc golf has taken root in Colombia, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated volunteer. Joe Feidt, an avid disc golfer from the United States, traveled to Bogotá with a dream of introducing the sport to the country's youth.
The journey began at Campamento Bochica, a scenic YMCA camp located south of Bogotá, where Feidt met with camp director Hamel Oviedo and YMCA volunteer Mónica Agudelo. Inspired by their enthusiasm and the camp's commitment to social programs, Feidt proposed setting up a disc golf course using portable baskets.
The project, dubbed Marco Polo Colombia, received an unexpected boost when Dan Mangone of Discovering the World offered 30 free discs and paid shipping costs. Encouraged by this support, Feidt applied for a PDGA grant, which was approved shortly thereafter.
However, logistical challenges arose when arranging shipping to Colombia. To overcome these hurdles, Feidt employed an innovative solution: he personally transported four portable baskets and 50 golf discs as checked baggage on his flight. This unconventional approach paid off, and the equipment arrived safely in Bogotá.
Upon arrival, Feidt spent a week at Camp Bochica, working with the camp's staff and YMCA volunteers to establish the first disc golf course in Colombia. The course was designed as a four-hole layout, using the portable baskets and discs provided by Innova.
The real magic happened when 70 YMCA youth volunteers arrived at the camp, eager to learn about the new sport. Feidt presented a demo session, explaining the basic rules and etiquette of disc golf. The enthusiastic youngsters quickly grasped the game's concepts and showed off their skills during a lively tournament.
The event culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a competition that saw teams of young players from Colombia and nearby Santandercito compete against each other. Among the participants was nine-year-old Nicolas, who stole the show with his impressive driving skills and emotional reaction to winning the CTP contest.
Feidt's efforts not only brought disc golf to Colombia but also sparked a newfound passion among the youth at Camp Bochica. The project's success was evident in the kids' enthusiasm, creative expressions of appreciation (including a photo album and wooden plaques), and gratitude towards Feidt for introducing them to this exciting new sport.
The seeds sown by Feidt have sprouted into a vibrant community that will continue to grow and flourish under the care of Hamel Oviedo and YMCA Bogotá. As Feidt looks to the future, he is confident that disc golf will not only become a staple at Camp Bochica but also spread to other YMCA camps in South America.
The PDGA staff and board played a crucial role in supporting this project, and their contribution has been acknowledged with heartfelt thanks from those who benefited from it. As Feidt so aptly put it, "Disc golf is chévere" – and its impact on Colombia's youth will be cherished for years to come.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/campamento-bochica-colombias-first-disc-golf-course