Spreading Disc Golf's Wings: How the Marco Polo Program is Taking the Sport Global

As we reflect on the past decade of disc golf growth, one initiative stands out as a key driver of international expansion. The Marco Polo Program, conceived by the PDGA's Board of Directors in 2011, has been instrumental in bringing our beloved sport to far-flung destinations around the world.

The program's mission is multifaceted: not only does it provide funding for innovative projects that promote disc golf growth, but it also aims to create links between the PDGA, local countries, and their respective disc golf communities. This collaborative approach has resulted in the introduction of disc golf to new countries, including Ethiopia, Brazil, Nicaragua, Israel, and Zambia.

One notable example of the program's success is its pilot project in Barbados, where touring pros Philo Brathwaite, Dave Feldberg, and Garrett Gurthie introduced the sport to University of the West Indies students and local youth day camps. Their efforts not only sparked interest but also led to a series of impromptu beach sessions and national TV appearances.

Since its inception, the Marco Polo Program has enabled PDGA members to contribute over $60,000 towards international grassroots development. This decade-long commitment has yielded remarkable results: first-ever PDGA-sanctioned events in South America and Africa were made possible through Marco Polo grants.

In China, for instance, David Greenwell, Will Schusterick, and Jason Hendrickson spent three weeks introducing disc golf to schools, universities, and government representatives. Although challenges persist, the trio is optimistic about the sport's potential for growth in this vast country of 1.3 billion inhabitants.

The Marco Polo Program has not only helped spread disc golf globally but also fostered partnerships between manufacturers, clubs, and individuals. By donating discs and targets, these partners have enabled local communities to develop sustainable grassroots activities that will continue to thrive long after the program's initial investment.

As we celebrate a decade of remarkable growth, it is clear that the Marco Polo Program has played a pivotal role in taking disc golf to new heights – and beyond our borders.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/decade-display-marco-polo-program