(Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) – Ultimate frisbee in the Cayman Islands now has additional support in the international community.

The sport’s international governing body, the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF), has extended membership to Cayman Islands Ultimate (CIU), the local organizing association. As a result, the Cayman Islands is now formally recognized as one of over 85 nations around the world involved in flying disc play.

WFDF President Robert “Nob” Rauch addressed Cayman’s inclusion, saying, “to add Cayman Islands and Malawi to the Flying Disc Family during these difficult times is perhaps a harbinger of the return to the organized practice of Flying Disc sports around the globe and further proof of the effectiveness of the WFDF Development Program.”

WFDF is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the International World Games Association. As a result, ultimate frisbee has featured at the World Games since 2001 and is currently vying to be an Olympic sport.

CIU President Michael Kader explained WFDF’s announcement is a big step forward for the sport in Cayman.

“Our on-island enthusiasts have worked hard in recent years to organize playing ultimate and we are ecstatic to have come this far”, Mr Kader said. “The CIU board is extremely proud of this recognition by WFDF and we know it will resonate with our current membership and help us garner further support within the Cayman sporting fraternity, especially once we are cleared to hit the field again.”

Mr Kader went on to say that like other local sporting associations, CIU is abiding by the social distancing regulations in place by the Cayman Islands Government in the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. CIU has urged its membership to follow all Government statutes and CIU is committed to resuming play once the restrictions have been sufficiently relaxed.

Prior to COVID-19, the plans for the 2020 campaign included a 6-week league, local hat (i.e. pick-up) competitions, and incorporating more beach game-days.

“Obviously, COVID-19 presented a huge curveball that struck out our plans this year,” Mr Kader said. “But, we know we will be up and running eventually and we’ll be hugely grateful to simply play again, with the support of sponsors like Waterman and Cayman Spirits Company.”

When ultimate can be safely played again in Cayman, CIU will return to staging casual, coed pick-up games on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Annex (formally known as the T.E. McField Sports Centre) in George Town from roughly 6pm to 7:30pm. All fitness and ability levels are welcome.

For more information, visit the CIU Facebook page or check it out on Cayman Active.

Editor’s Note

Ultimate frisbee is a team sport played with a large plastic disc. The object of the game is to score points by passing the disc to a player in the opposing end zone, similar to an end zone in American football. The beginning of organized games in the Cayman Islands dates back to 2009, thanks to the four original organizers – Badir Awe, Josh Lavelle, Scott Murray and Steve Weitzman.

CIU is a registered non-profit association with the Cayman Islands Government, having received its official Non-Profit Organisation status in July 2018.

Photos: credit to Cayman Islands Ultimate