Ethiopian Open 2019 Breaks Barriers in African Disc Golf Tour

The second edition of the Ethiopian Open, organized by the Assosa University Disc Golf Association and part of the inaugural African Disc Golf Tour, has been a resounding success. After months of meticulous planning, course maintenance, and navigating bureaucratic hurdles, 42 players from diverse backgrounds converged on Ethiopia for the event. The contingent included three Finnish players, four US players, one Zambian player, and an impressive 34 Ethiopian participants, including 10 women.

One of the highlights of the event was the generous sponsorship provided by Innova Disc Golf, which allowed each player to receive a comprehensive player's pack containing a hat, shirt, and discs. Additionally, Zing Mini Discs contributed Orb minis with a custom African Tour stamp created by John Dorn. The players' excitement was palpable as they eagerly collected their packs and donned their new attire.

A notable aspect of the sponsorship effort was the contributions from John Luetzow from I Fling Plastic, who raised funds to sponsor 12 local players, enabling them to attend the event and participate in the player's party. This initiative not only covered the amateur players' fees but also provided a fun experience for all attendees.

The journey to hosting this event was far from smooth, however. Yohannes Desalegn, the head of Student Affairs at Assosa University, faced numerous challenges, including dealing with customs and revenue authorities who demanded triple the retail value of donated items, amounting to nearly $6000. After weeks of negotiation, numerous visits to Addis Ababa, and long hours spent in line, the custom fee was eventually settled for just under $3000.

Kevin Derrick from Chicago, IL, USA, became a key player in the event's success when he threw the first ever sanctioned event ace in Africa. Elem Katambo, the Zambian PDGA Coordinator, followed suit by hitting the first Ethiopian ace at the subsequent event. These historic moments marked significant milestones for the African Disc Golf Tour.

Following the tournament, Yohannes and John spent a few days exploring Ethiopia's natural beauty, visiting Awash National Park, which is the country's first national park. During this time, they began planning the next Ethiopian Open 2020 and contemplating the ambitious African Open 2021. Meetings are already underway with local organizers and sponsors to create an exceptional Disc Golf destination event on the continent.

The enthusiasm of the players was evident throughout the event and at the subsequent party, where they expressed gratitude for the experience and eagerness to participate in future events. Training is already underway, indicating a promising future for disc golf in Ethiopia.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/assosa-university-disc-golf-association-hosts-second-pdga-event-ethiopia