Unusual “spectacular” sport on show

UPDATE – 1.30PM, THURSDAY, 30 JANUARY: Due to forecast storms organisers have advised that Saturday’s planned matches have been cancelled and there will be no play on that day. The tournament will still go ahead as planned on Sunday.

ULTIMATE frisbee will draw hundreds of athletes to Ballarat this weekend for the Golden City Classic tournament.

Hosting approximately eight to 10 teams of 14 to 20 people from Melbourne, Geelong and beyond, Marty Busch Reserve will be the base for three or four games per day, this Saturday, 1 and Sunday, 2 February.

Ballarat Ultimate president, Patrick Thorpe said the referee-free nature of the sport means opposing competitors discuss play in a respectful way and it’s something alternative for spectators.

“All discussions are had purely between the players on the field at the time, which is a really different thing that takes a little bit to get used to when you’re watching,” he said.

“The frisbee itself doesn’t act like a ball, so often leads to some pretty spectacular aerial contests between players.

“It can be really exciting to watch, and some people can throw it 80 metres at a time.”

Games will kick off at around 9am and finish around 5pm. They’re free for the public to watch.

Ballarat Ultimate runs a social league on Tuesday nights from 7pm at the Western Oval.

For further information about Ballarat Ultimate visit ballaratultimate.com.au or facebook.com/BallaratUltimateInc.