Players Bring Their Game to YNET’s 7th Ultimate Frisbee Tournament

On Sunday, YNET’s 7^th Annual Ultimate Frisbee Tournament brought together high school friends, returning college students and grads alike to unite in the spirit of competitive fun. Players not only wore their team name with pride, but showed good sportsmanship in an event that has now become much of a tradition in our community.

YNET’s 7th Annual Ultimate Frisbee Tournament. Credit: Katie Lawrie

The event was organized as it is each year by YNET, a student-run club founded to prevent teen dating violence and foster positive relationships. Working together, YNET members gathered teams and asked local businesses to help sponsor the tournament, resulting in a live DJ, food donations, raffle items, and prizes for the winning teams. Despite the date and location change due to weather, high expectations set from years past were met and a good time was had both on and off the field.

YNET’s 7th Annual Ultimate Frisbee Tournament. Credit: Katie Lawrie

Before the games began, Maggie Keatinge, a YNET Executive committee member, reminded players why the battle against teen dating violence is so important.

In the United States, nearly 1 in 3 teens reports being a victim of dating abuse and in Connecticut alone, nearly one in ten high school students says they’ve been punched, kicked or slapped by their partner. The players were also reminded to show good sportsmanship and the event kicked off to a good start.

YNET’s 7th Annual Ultimate Frisbee Tournament. Credit: Katie Lawrie

On the field, each team involved really brought their game. Many players had been practicing in anticipation for the tournament for weeks, and it showed in their dives and coordination. No matter what the bracket looked like at the end of the day, each group honored their team name through sweat and dedication. American Voodoo, the team that ultimately received first prize, had been attending the tournament every year for seven years. Though they’d always come close, finally winning this year was a well-deserved and highly anticipated achievement.

The occasion wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Kings, Arcuri’s, Rinaldi’s, Corbos, Cardillo’s, Joey B’s, which donated food. Other sponsors included Back 40 Mercantile, the Beach House, Gravina, Gofer’s, Green and Tonic, Boxcar Cantina, and Threads and Treads. The tournament was a prime example of everyone in the community working together to put together a great event.