Medal for University sportsman in Ultimate Frisbee championships A University of Winchester lecturer has brought home a silver medal from the European Ultimate Frisbee Beach Championships in Spain. Chris Whittle, Lecturer in Sports Biomechanics at the University of Winchester, and the Great Britain team reached the Open final but were denied the top podium spot by a more experienced Swiss side. The competition was staged south of Barcelona on the Costa Dorada and attracted competitors from 23 nations for games over four days (27-30 June). “After some initial disappointment at not winning gold, I am actually feeling upbeat about the future of Ultimate Frisbee and the potential it has to inspire positive sporting attitudes among younger athletes,” commented Chris. “Schools are adopting the sport as it requires very little kit and it promotes fair play, mutual respect and good sportsmanship because of the self-officiated nature of the game.” “This works really well all the way up to world championship level and, although there are some games which get a bit heated, the correct resolution is usually found through discussion amongst the players without the need for an external referee.” Teams consist of five players on the field and as many as 15 subs that can come on after each point is scored. The objective is to catch the flying disc in your opponents’ end zone - just like American Football. Chris was introduced to Ultimate Frisbee while at school and now plays for one of the country’s top clubs, Fire of London, as well as the national side. Training involves as many as five workouts a week, plus team practice in London. There are up to 10 major tournaments each year, consisting of six or seven 100 minute games in a single weekend. Chris will continue to train with the Great Britain side and has been invited to guest coach the University of Winchester’s Ultimate Frisbee team, Fly Hard. The University also runs an Ultimate Frisbee coaching course as part of its Sports Coach UK coaching offer.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 06:48:57 +0000