Five candidates will be vying for three open positions on the PDGA Europe Board of Directors. These self-nominated candidates share a passion for disc golf. They have diverse backgrounds and a wide range of skillsets, both in their professional lives and within the sport.

PDGA Europe is a nonprofit organization registered in Finland. PDGA Europe's bylaws establish a Board of Directors to engage in oversight and strategic planning. In addition to holding an annual summit meeting, the PDGA Europe Board and staff conduct monthly teleconference calls and ongoing communication to accomplish required business and organizational goals. The Board’s main activities include: setting PDGA Europe policies and priorities; hiring and supervision of staff; financial management including approving the annual budget; identification of suitable future Board candidates; representing the membership’s interests; and continuing the rapid growth of disc golf in Europe.

Three at-large Board member positions will be elected this year. The election will take place throughout the entire month of July.

The three candidates who receive the most votes will serve three-year terms from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2028. For additional information, please see the PDGA Elections page.

Here are the five candidates who are ready to help take disc golf to the next level, along with their background information and statements of intent. Attached YouTube interviews include optional closed captions auto-transladed in multiple languages:

2025 PDGA Europe Board of Director Candidates

• Antti Taronen #72169
• Bogi Bjarnason #74392
• Urban Braune #146867
• Maria Fernanda Buitrago #189790
• Adam Swiderski #267935

Antti Taronen - #72169

Professional Experience

I have been involved in project management, funding, assessment and helping and educating project managers almost all my professional life. I have served as a senior advisor for a South Finnish regional council for eight years, now. I'm an able professional in my field and willing to give the knowledge I have to the needs of disc golf.

I have a reputation of being an open person, a broadminded and emphatic coworker, who thinks of the overall benefit rather than own benefit.

Disc Golf Experience

I'm presently serving the last year of my three year term in the PDGA Europe's board of directors. Presently I'm the vice president of the board, but I have acted as the president and the treasurer, too.

I’m an active and passionate disc golf player with over ten years of experience both on and off the course. I’ve been deeply involved in the sport through local clubs, competitions, and course development, and I’m always looking for ways to help grow the disc golf community. After having several roles in my local club, I now have the responsibility to act as the president.

Over the years, I have participated in numerous tournaments, served in volunteer roles, and contributed to the planning and execution of disc golf events, including one junior nationals championship that was held by our club. My strengths lie in event coordination, community engagement, and taking responsibility - skills I’ve developed through both disc golf involvement and professional experience. I bring a combination of organizational ability, creative problem-solving, and an understanding of what makes the disc golf scene thrive.

I’m particularly interested in promoting junior (age makes a junior, not receiving money) and women participation, growing grassroots participation, and supporting course design initiatives. Whether it's helping run events, developing media content, or building relationships with new players, I’m excited to be part of a team that shares a vision for the future of disc golf.

Additional Candidate Information

If possible, I would like to be a full time disc golf sultan or emperor taking care of courses, players and organizations by offering resources and opportunities in developing our beloved sport to be even greater. Now I just offer to do what is possible.

Come and talk to me at the worlds in Nokia and Tampere.

 

Bogi Bjarnason - #74392

Professional Experience

I am experienced within the hospitality business worldwide, working hotel jobs at ski resorts in Sweden, Norway, Austria, US and Canada during my snowboarding years. I'm a published travel and music writer in international print and online media and a former manager of several international touring acts within the extreme metal sphere. I'm currently finishing my first term on the PDGA Europe Board of Directors and along with that I manage the Icelandic Innova Team and work as a taxi driver, a job with complete flexibility that allows me to travel and attend meetings at will. I'm also a licensed personal trainer, but there's not enough hours in the day to pursue that as well.

Disc Golf Experience

As of this writing I have maintained a perfect attendance record for every facet of my first board of directors term across the monthly video call conferences, AGMs, ambassador trips, annual summits and special executive sessions. As a player I have played 110+ PDGA sanctioned events in 13 countries on three continents with 25 wins and zero DNFs.

As the manager of the PDGA Europe Disc Golf Development Grant Fund I have treated the fund much like a progressive tax levied on the richer disc golf nations to foster growth within less fortunate communities across the south and east.

While we sometimes fund projects with wider trans-national impact originating in the Nordics and Estonia, course building initiatives are mainly focused on countries finding fresh footholds such as Spain, Italy and mainly Latvia and Poland.

On the ground floor where solid foundations are yet to be poured, such as in the Balkans, we farm projects off to The Paul McBeth Foundation who wield a larger purse and aim for long term growth and project sustainability.

At the tender age of 14, I spotted Blær Örn Ásgeirsson´s potential and took him under my wing as a manager, proceeding to secure various sponsorships deals and host different fundraising activities, allowing him realize the dream of becoming a touring pro. Banking on his success I was then afforded the latitude by Innova Champion Discs to build an Icelandic team around him, buttressing the goals of those who wish to follow in his footsteps.

For some years I ran a mobile disc golf store that cruised between the most popular courses in Reykjavík while placing starter packs in the hands of hundreds of new players. During those summers I taught private lessons to newbies using the foundations imparted by Juho Rantalaiho in an instructor’s course developed by the Finnish disc golf association, while also hosting clinics and staff party events to large Icelandic companies and the C-Suite of three American video game companies.

In 2020 I was assistant TD for the first and only PDGA sanctioned tournament ever hosted in Nicaragua and on the grounds of that I helped them pitch for what was to become one of the first Paul McBeth Foundation projects.

In 2023 I traveled to Sao Tomé y Principe, a small island country off the coast of West Africa, to build a course on an old cocoa bean plantation with the then owner of Momentum Discs, Thor Wallgren.

As a writer and (very amateur) photographer I’ve published disc golf articles and images on PDGA.com, Ultiworld Disc Golf, DiscGolfer Magazine, the Innova calendar and brochure as well as various street papers, national dailies and in-flight magazines.

I have been tangentially involved with the Aland Disc Golf Project since day one and for my upcoming fourth visit I will be guiding a group of four, young, Icelandic players to the Future of Disc Golf camp that is being hosted there in August.

In similar fashion I have been in attendance at every edition of the Open de Espana in Oviedo, Spain, attracting an ever growing group of Icelandic travelers which peaked at 30 players in 2024- constituting 13% of Iceland’s active PDGA membership at the time.

My main goals if elected for a second term are:

1. To combat the scourge of online sports betting that is rapidly sinking its talons into disc golf and hopefully banish it from our European shores. Online sports betting is perhaps the single largest threat young men face today as it has the potential to ruin the financial futures of large swaths of the cohort. If we want our sport to remain a positive and cost effective force in the public health space we must not fall prey to the empty promise of easy cash injections into the disc golf media sponsorship sphere, for they are castles built on sand.
2. I will strive to simplify the registration and payment process for the disc golf tournament tourist space. Us lower tier and often older players who frequent smaller international B- and C-Tiers should not have to deal with a different registration, scoring and payment system for every tournament we choose to attend.

Ok, thanks. Bye!

Additional Candidate Information

• The tale of Jarva: https://www.pdga.com/news/eulogy-jarva-discgolfpark
• 2022 European Open Round Recap: https://www.pdga.com/news/thrilling-finish-finland
• I like to get aces: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYRBSHURRy8

Urban Braune - #146867

Professional Experience

I hold a background in economic and business psychology, with a strong focus on market research, customer insight and organizational culture. Early in my career, I gained experience in sales through various student jobs, which later led me to contribute to the development of a new business concept for a major electronics retail company. My academic training as a psychologist has shaped my approach to understanding consumer behavior and business decision-making. Over the past year, while completing my master’s degree in economic and business psychology, I have been working at a startup where I was responsible for customer insight and market research.

Disc Golf Experience

I began playing disc golf in 2020 and quickly became involved in the development of the sport in Slovenia. Together with a dedicated team, I co-founded AirBounce Disc Golf, a group of enthusiasts that has grown into a key organizer of major disc golf events in the region. We are behind one of the most prominent tournaments in this part of Europe, the Lipica Open. Our events include the EPT-X Lipica Open 2023, the upcoming Lipica Open 2025 – The Early Season Tour, and the Central European Disc Golf Championship 2025.

Beyond event organization, I serve as the PDGA Country Coordinator for Slovenia, working to support the sport’s growth nationally. I am also a member of the Executive Board of the Slovenian Flying Disc Sports Association, where I act as the representative for the disc golf section, helping to shape the strategic direction and recognition of the sport at a national level.

Maria Fernanda Buitrago - #189790

Professional Experience

I bring over 20 years of experience in forest conservation, management, restoration, and agroforestry, with a strong background in climate change adaptation, biodiversity, and community engagement. My work spans both research institutes and leading carbon project developers, focusing on the design and certification of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) projects under global standards such as Verra (VCS+CCB), Gold Standard, and CAR.

I have led the development and certification of numerous reforestation, afforestation, and forest management projects across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. At South Pole (2019–2024), I was the Global Forestry Technical Lead, managing a diverse portfolio of carbon and biodiversity projects, and leading quality assurance, due diligence, and technical reviews. I also contributed to standards engagement and methodology development.

Currently, as Head of Carbon Projects at WeForest, an NGO supporting restoration in developing countries through philanthropy and corporate partnerships, I lead the team in preparing and certifying high-integrity forest carbon projects.

Disc Golf Experience

I’ve been playing Ultimate Frisbee competitively for over 22 years. In 2021, I discovered disc golf while living in Colombia and quickly became actively involved. We held our first tournaments in Medellín with the help of the Paul McBeth Foundation, who sponsored the installation of the first permanent course in Colombia (18 baskets in two different courses). At that time, I helped co-organize the first competitions and won the first national championships that year.

Since returning to France in late 2021, I’ve been fully engaged in the disc golf community—co-organizing local PDGA competitions, supporting the growth of the women’s community, contributing to the regional league and my club, and actively participating in competitions, national selections, and teams. I won the French National Championship in 2024 and again in June 2025, and have consistently placed on podiums in regional and amateur events. Internationally, I’ve represented both Colombia and France at the 2023 PDGA Amateur Worlds (USA), the 2022 WFDF World Team Championship (representing Colombia in Croatia), and the 2024 PDGA Worlds (Australia). In 2025, I’ve been selected to compete at the World Professional Championship in Finland and to represent the French team at the PDGA European Masters in Germany and the World Games in Chengdu, China.

Beyond competition, I also help promote PDGA events and community-building initiatives wherever possible, and I’m working to create a fund to mobilize and share equipment and resources in regions where the sport is growing quickly—like in Colombia—where players often don’t have access to basic equipment like discs. I’ve organized a few disc collections in France, where players have been very generous, sending discs to their peers in other countries.

Additional Candidate Information

Disc golf has become a meaningful and inspiring part of my life—not only as a player, but as someone who believes deeply in the sport’s ability to build community, promote well-being, and create positive change. Since picking up a disc in 2021, I’ve been fortunate to contribute in many ways, both on and off the course, and I’m honored to put my name forward to serve on the PDGA Europe Board of Directors.

Professionally, I bring over 20 years of experience in forest conservation, project management, and international development. I currently lead the carbon projects team at WeForest, working on restoration and climate action in collaboration with communities across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Much of my work has focused on inclusive, long-term impact—values I also bring to my involvement in disc golf.

Since discovering the sport, I’ve remained actively engaged: helping with local course development, organizing clinics, supporting new players, and steadily growing through competition. I’ve had the opportunity to represent both Colombia and France in international events, including:

• 2023 PDGA Amateur World Championships (USA)
• 2022 WFDF World Team Championships (Croatia)
• 2024 PDGA World Championships (Australia)
• Upcoming: 2025 PDGA Pro Worlds (Finland), PDGA European Masters (Germany), and theWorld Games (China)

  In 2024 and 2025, I also won the French National Championships and have consistently placed on podiums at regional and national events. Beyond competing, I’ve been involved in disc golf outreach in various countries—including early efforts to promote the sport in Colombia and modest contributions to course installations. Currently, I’m working on initiatives to support communities with limited resources, particularly in regions where disc golf is starting to make a real difference for youth and women. This includes exploring ways to mobilize discs and equipment, strengthen local teams, and help develop sustainable courses. It’s an ongoing effort in 2024 and 2025, and one I hope to continue scaling in collaboration with others who share this vision.  

If elected, I would focus on:

• Supporting the development of disc golf infrastructure across Europe, especially in regions with limited access
• Promoting inclusivity, with a focus on women and newcomers to the sport
• Strengthening grassroots connections to PDGA Europe through clear, open communication
• Encouraging sustainable and thoughtful growth in course design and event planning

My passion for disc golf continues to grow, and I’m committed to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to support the sport’s development across Europe. Thank you for your trust and consideration.

• https://www.pdga.com/player/189790/details
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mafebuitrago/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Yji_WGd0w
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKpPaoAtQ7I
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxJETtm5k08

Adam Swiderski - #267935

Professional Experience

Since 2012, I have been working at PROJEKT FOX – a consultancy firm based in the Olsztyn Science and Technology Park in north-eastern Poland. We specialize in the comprehensive support of investment and development projects for small and medium-sized enterprises, with a strong focus on EU funding.

As a senior project advisor and coordinator, I’ve participated in the design, implementation, and reporting of numerous projects – from large-scale infrastructure investments (such as production, R&D, and hotel facilities) to innovation-driven product and process improvements. To date, our clients have secured over €50 million in EU funding, creating hundreds of jobs and dozens of innovation projects across various industries.

In my role, I’m responsible for:

• leading multi-stakeholder projects from concept to completion,
• coordinating with public institutions, research centers, and private partners,
• overseeing budgets, timelines, deliverables, and regulatory compliance,
• managing documentation and audits, and representing beneficiaries during inspections,
• and ensuring long-term sustainability of development efforts.

Relevant skills I bring to the PDGA Europe Board include:

• Strategic thinking and planning – gained through years of designing and evaluating investment strategies.
• Project leadership and operational management – ensuring complex initiatives stay on track, within scope and budget.
• Stakeholder communication and negotiation – both with public bodies and private partners across sectors and cultures.
• Problem-solving and adaptability – especially under tight deadlines and in high-stakes situations.
• Teamwork and empathy – I believe in building strong, trust-based relationships and long-term collaboration.

As someone who has built partnerships between business, science, and public administration, I’m confident in my ability to navigate the diverse interests present in an international sports federation. I’m ready to apply my professional expertise and soft skills to help grow and professionalize disc golf across Europe.

Disc Golf Experience

Since the beginning of my involvement in disc golf, I have focused on developing events that not only promote the sport itself but also support the growth of young people through physical activity, community engagement, and fun. My mission is to use disc golf as a tool for social inclusion, education, and long-term development.

In just two years, I have helped establish one of the most active disc golf scenes in Poland, centered in Olsztyn, by organizing tournaments, leagues, and youth-focused programs in cooperation with a university, local authorities, schools, NGOs, and international partners.

Key Initiatives:

PDGA C-Tier Tournaments – Raising the Level of Competition

• Warmia UWM Open – flagship C-Tier tournament organized with the University of Warmia and Mazury.
• Mazury Disc Golf Paradise – nationwide C-Tier tournament hosted with the State Forests in a scenic recreational area.
• Natura Mazur Open – the first hotel-based PDGA event in the region, organized with a four-star resort.
• UWM Summer Disc Golf League – C-Tier – regular league events connecting players on campus and beyond.

 Youth and Kids Disc Golf Programs – Investing in the Next Generation

• Youth Disc Golf League in Olsztyn – recurring competition series for children and teens, promoting fun, skill-building, and fair play.
• Junior Disc Golf Tournaments – inclusive events that foster confidence and sportsmanship in a supportive environment.
• Summer Kids League (2025) – a public park-based initiative providing free access to disc golf tournaments for children regardless of background.
• “Healthy Through Motion” School Workshops – engaging primary school students with movement-based games and disc golf basics.

Erasmus+ Sport Project – Bringing European Standards to Local Practice

• In 2025, we launched the Erasmus+ Sport project: "Developing Coaching Competencies in Disc Golf through International Knowledge Exchange," where Polish disc golf coaches and organizers collaborate with partners from Lithuania, Germany, and Estonia. This project supports the professionalization of youth-oriented disc golf through international cooperation and the implementation of European good practices.

Why This Matters for PDGA Europe:

• By building league and tournament structures for children, I am contributing to the foundation of disc golf's future in Europe – a future based on inclusion, equal opportunity, and values-driven education.
• Through the Erasmus+ project, I bring hands-on experience in developing international collaborations, which can support PDGA Europe’s growth and knowledge exchange network.
• My background combines organizational experience in PDGA-level events with soft skills essential for effective teamwork, communication, and long-term strategic development.

I would be honored to bring this experience and passion to the PDGA Europe Board, offering a grassroots perspective, strong youth development focus, and a commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth of our sport.

Additional Candidate Information

I am strongly committed to the development of disc golf, especially as a tool for youth engagement and inclusion. I have organized several PDGA-sanctioned tournaments (C-tier), including Warmia UWM Open, Mazury Paradise, Natura Mazur Open, and the UWM Summer League. I also lead the creation and delivery of disc golf events for children and families, promoting the sport in schools and among new players.

In 2024, I initiated an Erasmus+ Sport project focused on international cooperation and knowledge exchange in disc golf. The project includes training programs for youth coaches, development of club infrastructure, and the promotion of grassroots sports.

With strong organizational and communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a proven track record in both project delivery and disc golf development, I am ready to contribute to the mission and strategic growth of PDGA Europe.

My English proficiency is at an upper-intermediate level (B2), and I am actively working toward achieving C1.

 

 

June 30th update: Jan-Magnus Lönnqvist #228952 withdrew from the electoral process.