Empowering Women in Disc Golf: PDGA's Initiative Makes a Big Impact

In 2013, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) launched an initiative aimed at increasing women's participation in disc golf events while also donating to charity. The program, which takes place every October, donates $2 for each female competitor in PDGA-sanctioned events to a designated charitable organization.

The first charity partner was the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), a global organization dedicated to supporting young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Over the course of three years, from 2013 to 2015, YSC received a total donation of $4,732. This amount was made possible through player fees and special edition pink discs sold by Prodigy.

In 2016, the PDGA selected a new charitable organization: the Dempsey Center, founded by actor Patrick Dempsey in Lewiston, Maine. The center provides customized programs and support services for patients, caregivers, and families affected by cancer. During the 2016 United States Women's Disc Golf Championship (USWDGC), the Dempsey Center received an additional $2,420 through fundraising efforts.

The PDGA's initiative has not only raised significant funds for charity but has also had a positive impact on women's participation in disc golf. Since its inception, female membership has increased by 78%, from 1,525 active members in 2013 to 2,728 at the end of 2016. The number of female competitors has more than doubled, with 1,345 women participating in PDGA-sanctioned events during October 2016.

The initiative's success can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of the PDGA staff, as well as the increasing number of women who are taking on leadership roles in the sport. Women are now competing in tournaments, running their own events, and starting women-only clubs, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse disc golf community.

As the initiative continues to grow and evolve, the PDGA will once again be raising money and encouraging women to participate this coming October. The charitable organization selected for 2017 has yet to be announced, but the PDGA is committed to continuing its efforts to attract, encourage, and retain more participation by women in organized disc golf events.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/pdga-continues-octobers-cancer-initiative