The Ultimate Foundation’s First Pass Free Fundraiser directly funds USA Ultimate New Start Grants, providing essential equipment kits (discs, cones, curriculum, and marketing materials) to passionate schools, youth-serving organizations, and community members eager to build new ultimate programs.
It has been inspiring to hear from 2024 New Start Grant recipients about the impact that they have been able to create with the support of the Grant Kits. Here are a few testimonials we wanted to share and celebrate;
“We have loved our ultimate frisbee kit that we received. We have introduced it to about 140 kids during our Physical Education classes this school year. I have also introduced it to my athletics class of 25 students as a cardio day.”
“The most rewarding part of receiving the ultimate frisbee kit is being able to introduce a new activity to my physical education students. My goal as a physical educator is to introduce activities that students may want to participate in outside of school to increase their physical activity. We have recreational ultimate frisbee leagues available in our area and my hope is that my students consider joining them after being introduced to the game during PE.” -Jeffrey Powell (Opelika, AL)
“We are getting our next summer season up and running soon. Last season was our first season, and we had over 80 sign-ups with a solid regular player base. We kept the league open and free to participants throughout the season. The resources provided helped us support five athletes striving to play college disc. Not only have our players been having fun, but the resources have made it easier to couple enjoyment with learning.”
-William Bushey (Alpena, MI)
“Last year we went to state as our main competition. This year we have set up 2 scrimmages against local teams and are also planning on going to state. The discs have also been distributed as team discs or to players who can’t afford their own. We have established an identity and culture as a team now and even have a president and social media coordinator.”
-Joe Rogers (Milwaukee, WI)
And in case you missed it, make sure you check out the full length New Start Grant story;
Katie and Leah, two of the inspiring young leaders in this story, are daughters of Brian Butler, who shared:
“Seeing what they’ve done with this project to take a passion of theirs and develop a way to get more kids exposed to a wonderful sport and community is amazing to see. I didn’t discover ultimate until I was 18. They are working to get kids exposed much earlier and hopefully allowing them to make an important impact on their lives earlier because they have seen what it has done for them. I can’t wait to see what they do within this community for many years to come.”
