This summer, Belgium was crowned European champion of frisbee – a title that reflects the sport's dedicated and ever-growing community in the country.
Frisbee, often relegated to casual park games and canine companions, is a sport that frequently flies under the radar of mainstream sports coverage.
While many envision tossing a disc between friends in a leisurely setting or engaging in a game of catch with your dog, the true extent of Frisbee's competitive potential often remains unexplored.
It may therefore surprise many to learn that Belgium's national men's Ultimate Frisbee team achieved victory at the European Championships in Ireland. The European glory comes not long after a silver medal win at the Under-24 World Cup in Nottingham.
On their way to beating Great Britain 13-10 in the hard-fought final, Belgium overcame tough games against Spain and Germany to win the European tournament.
"It is the fruit of a year of work and preparation," Pierre-Alain de Laminne, the national team coach, told reporters after the final. "Beating Great Britain in the final is even sweeter because we have met them several times over the season... I am super proud of the team, the commitment of the players, and our overall performance."
Frisbee powerhouse
“We are all amateurs and we do this in addition to other activities, like our work or our studies. However, the players have the same training regime as semi-pro football or hockey players with several training sessions per week and preparation weekends with the national team."
Belgium's emergence as a frisbee powerhouse is built on a solid club structure.
The country boasts more than 30 official Ultimate Frisbee clubs, reflecting a burgeoning enthusiasm for the game. The national team's stellar performance on the European and World Championship stages has solidified Belgium's position as a force to be reckoned with.
Ultimate Frisbee, often referred to as "Ultimate," is a non-contact team field sport that revolves around teamwork and skill. The game's objective is to score more points than the opposing team by catching the disc in the opposing end zone.
For those dedicated to the sport here, it is hoped Belgium's triumph will serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and fans alike. With a burgeoning Ultimate Frisbee community in Belgium and a shining golden generation, the future of the sport in the country looks exceptionally bright.
