First ultimate frisbee tournament held in state
LUCKNOW: The sixth edition of the Global Peace Games along with Lucknow Ultimate Open (LUO) concluded at La Martiniere College, Lucknow (Polo Grounds) on Sunday. LUO was the first ultimate frisbee tournament held in the state.
The LUO 2017 saw participation by teams from various states. More than 100 players from the participating teams of LUO from different states (Bihar, Haryana, Delhi, UP) including teams from institutions such as Ashoka University and IIM-Lucknow taught the sport to more than 120 children of Lucknow from shelter homes, slums, and other sections.
The event was organised by Project KHEL, a Lucknow based non-profit organisation that works towards empowering adolescents, paving the way to a more equal and inclusive society.
Jaidip Patel, a veteran of the sport who has represented India at various ultimate frisbee championships and forums across the world said, “It is great to see what is being done by Project KHEL here in Lucknow to spread information about the sport and its values at the grassroots level.”
Manix, the president of the UPAI who was also in Lucknow for the tournament was equally appreciative.
“We have tournaments happening across the country and it is great to see it in Uttar Pradesh and the idea to combine the tournament with a coaching camp and fostering increased interaction among hundreds of youngsters is indeed commendable,” said Manix.
The Global Peace Games is an initiative that was founded in 2001 to promote a global network of children and youth committed to a culture of friendship, understanding and peace. The Global Peace Games are “grass root” games that are organised by organisations and communities around the world.
The sport ultimate frisbee is played with a flying plastic disc that has been gaining popularity in India over the past decade, with more than 1,000 professional players and 17 teams across the country.