Who We Are
“We envision a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience ultimate as a sport that inspires integrity, relationships, and belonging.”
The Ultimate Foundation was founded in 2014 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the philanthropic arm of USA Ultimate, the national governing body for the sport of Ultimate in the US. Governed by a core principle called Spirit of the Game™, ultimate is proud of its heritage and continuing practice of being a self-officiated sport from local, recreational play to elite-level, international competition. The sport was created in 1968 by students at Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ and is now played worldwide across three primary disciplines – grass, beach and indoor. The Ultimate Foundation hired it’s Director in early 2025 and is governed by the Foundation Board of Directors.
A truly unique and defining element of ultimate, Spirit of the Game places the responsibility of fair play solely on the athletes themselves by requiring each player to know the rules and make their own calls, without the help of a neutral official. These underlying principles reinforce mutual respect and trust between opponents; communication and conflict resolution skills; and self confidence – both on and off the field of play. We are a sport built on human-connection.
A unique and committed community is one of the defining aspects of ultimate. Time and time again, athletes will tell you they came for the sport and stayed for the community. The joyous, welcoming environment brings people together and helps form lifelong bonds for those who compete with and against each other on the ultimate field.
The main tenet of ultimate is Spirit of the Game – a concept that requires all players to know the rules, make their own calls and constantly exhibit respect for their opponents. Character is an essential part of the game – what you see and what you say matters.
Ultimate is an excellent athletic outlet – running, sprinting, jumping, laying out and more are all major parts of the game. Athletes are able to experience it all at levels from local recreational play to world championships.
In valuing the contributions and perspectives that a truly diverse community provides our sport and its culture, we are committed to increasing access to and participation in the sport.
Make the ultimate difference and help us share ultimate and Spirit of the Game with our next generation.
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