Disc golf in Ethiopia began its journey a decade ago, driven by passionate individuals and supportive organizations. The African continent’s first PDGA-sanctioned event was the 2018 Ethiopian Open, and marked the establishment of East Africa's first 18-hole disc golf course at Assosa University. This period (2015-2020) showcased significant growth for the sport in Ethiopia.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, as the subsequent civil war resulted in devastating humanitarian crises, impacting the growth of disc golf in the country. The conflict lasted until a peace agreement was signed in November 2023.

With the sport in dire need of revitalization, I proposed the project "Rebuilding Disc Golf Ethiopia to PDGA and other stakeholders." During the turmoil, Assosa university’s disc golf course baskets were looted, similar to incidents in other institutions, such as Kenyan Science Campus.

I was previously employed at a government-owned bank, where my full-time job left little time for disc golf. In late 2023, I resigned to focus on rebuilding the sport. I reached out to PDGA International Director Brian Hoeniger, who expressed interest in my project proposal. I applied for and received an MP grant, along with matching funding to build a new nine-hole disc golf course at Bingham Academy school in the capital, Addis Abeba.

My team successfully constructed the new course at Bingham International Academy, which serves nearly 40 nationalities. This initiative has been a significant success for both the academy and the surrounding disc golf community, rekindling enthusiasm for the sport in Ethiopia. The new school year commenced about a month ago and I’ve since been in active discussions with the Sports Director at Bingham Academy to explore opportunities for hosting a sanctioned event.

Bingham Academy Disc Golf Course

Expansion of Disc Golf Activities in Refugee Camps

As we passed to another project, we focused on expanding disc golf activities in a United Nation refugee camp that had previously received another PDGA Marco Polo grant. I had the opportunity to meet with the sports coordinator at the camp to discuss strategies for promoting and sustaining the sport among the refugee community.

UN Refugee Camp Residents

Together, we organized three rounds of training sessions that engaged hundreds of kids, youth, and community members. These sessions not only introduced participants to the basics of disc golf but also fostered teamwork and a sense of community. To facilitate ongoing play, we donated 50 discs, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate.

Looking ahead, we are optimistic about creating a nine-hole disc golf course within the camp. This initiative aims to provide a fun and engaging outlet for refugees, helping them to experience the joy of disc golf while building resilience and camaraderie within their community.

Rebuilding the Disc Golf Course at Assosa University

Our final endeavor was the ambitious task of rebuilding the looted disc golf course at Assosa University. This project was not just about restoration but also about invigorating a community and fostering a love for disc golf among the students and faculty alike.

The journey began with engaging the university administration and the Department of Sport Sciences. Understanding their readiness and enthusiasm was crucial, as their support would be the foundation for our efforts. To our delight, they recognized the value of disc golf as a tool for education and recreation. They allocated some funds, which, combined with support from the PDGA, enabled us to breathe new life into the course.

Asossa University Disc Golf Members

The nine-hole disc golf course was revitalized, transforming the landscape of the university grounds. To ensure that the sport would thrive, we donated hundreds of discs, making sure that students had ample equipment to hone their skills. However, our vision extended beyond restoration; we are actively seeking additional funding to expand the course to a full 18 holes, enhancing the experience and challenge for all players.

A particularly inspiring outcome of this project was the formation of a disc golf club by the students from the Sport Science Department. Meeting with the club's eight passionate members was a revelation. Their enthusiasm for the sport was palpable, and they dedicated themselves to practicing every Saturday. Witnessing their commitment and passion was truly surprising and heartwarming, giving us hope for the future of disc golf at Assosa University and beyond.

This project not only revived a sport but also built a community, creating a lasting impact on the university and offering students a new avenue for physical activity, teamwork, and fun.

Throughout our endeavors, we've learned invaluable lessons about the resilience and spirit of the communities we serve. While much progress has been made, there is still significant work to be done to grow disc golf and increase community participation. Moving forward, our primary focus will be on sustainability and forging partnerships with local and international organizations to support our mission.

Through these initiatives, we have invested nearly $9,000 in revitalizing disc golf in Ethiopia. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the PDGA, Bingham Academy, UNHCR, RRS, Assosa University, and all the individuals who played a crucial role in these projects. Their support has been invaluable, and with continued collaboration, we are optimistic about the future growth of disc golf in Ethiopia.

Yohannes Desalegn is the PDGA Country Coordinator for Ethiopia