The International Olympic Committee has officially recognized a new Olympic sport — Ultimate Frisbee.
The sport is celebrating 30 years as a sport with an official Olympic recognition, and players from across the state are excited about the announcement.
Jon Patinella started playing for fun in high school before going on to play for the University of Arizona’s Sunburn team.
“I was looking to play a sport in college, and I couldn’t play any of the major sports," Patinella said. "So I thought it was a good opportunity to just get in shape and be competitive."
With multiple league, intramural and college teams across the state, the sport is growing in popularity.
Andy North plays for Arizona State University’s team. He said the Olympic recognition will help people understand the popularity of the sport.
“People will now be able to see that it’s a legitimate sport," North said. "People are very competitive when they play for it and they train for it; and [they] lift weights throughout the year to train for it. They take it very seriously."
While sports like baseball and lacrosse are no longer recognized by the IOC, Patinella said he knows having the sport he plays recognized is a big deal.
“You know, Frisbee is not one of the most well known sports in the world," Patinella said. "So it’s great to get the public eye to see what Ultimate Frisbee is all about.”
Ultimate Frisbee may not be played in the 2016 Olympics, but fans are looking forward to the day they will see it on television.
