WFDF and E.R.I.C. partner to increase Spirit of the Game awareness

16 February 2016

The World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) is pleased to announce a new partnership around Spirit of the Game (SotG) with Early Recognition Is Critical (E.R.I.C).  E.R.I.C. is a nonprofit charitable organization that teaches youth about cancer symptom awareness and the importance of healthy living through its Ultimate Frisbee clinics.  One of the biggest connections between cancer awareness and Ultimate is self-advocacy. E.R.I.C. teaches kids they need to speak up in a game if they get fouled, just as they need to speak up if they notice cancer-related symptoms.

As part of the partnership, E.R.I.C will contribute financial and other resources to WFDF, during the one-year agreement, to raise the visibility of Spirit of the Game at this year’s World Championships in London and support a Spirit of the Game conference at the World Junior Ultimate Championships in Poland.  E.R.I.C will also incorporate the five principles of Spirit of the Game in its clinic curriculum.  

“We are pleased to introduce our first formal Spirit of the Game partner,” said Robert “Nob” Rauch, WFDF President.  “E.R.I.C. is a somewhat unique partner as they are a charitable organization that uses Ultimate clinics for youth to promote cancer awareness and healthy living.  WFDF continues to look for ways to promote Spirit of the Game and self-governance on the field at all of our events and we appreciate their support.”  

Jim Gerencser, co-founder of E.R.I.C., stated “we are very excited about this partnership with WFDF.  Last year we reached almost 10,000 kids in the US and this year we are looking to expand abroad to get closer to our mission to reach one million kids in five years.  As someone deeply involved with Ultimate for decades, I have seen how the Spirit of the Game can be manifested not only on the field but in life, and I intend to do everything in my power to promote Spirit of the Game at all levels, whether at the youth level or in elite competition in which I am involved.”

About WFDF:

The World Flying Disc Federation is the international sports federation responsible for world governance of flying disc (frisbee) sports, including Ultimate, Beach Ultimate, Disc Golf, Freestyle, Guts, and Individual Events.  WFDF is a federation of member associations which represent flying disc sports and their athletes in more than 65 countries.  WFDF is an international federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a member of ARISF, SportAccord and the International World Games Association, and it is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation in the state of Colorado, USA.

About E.R.I.C.:

E.R.I.C. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization which teaches youth about healthy living and cancer symptoms through Ultimate Frisbee clinics and its clinic curriculum.  It also sponsors Huck Cancer Tournaments to raise awareness and money for local cancer charities.  E.R.I.C. was founded to encourage youth to be active, aware and prepared, to talk about sports, their bodies, and the sometimes very scary “C-word”, cancer!  

For more information, please contact:

Kimmey Hardesty
Director of Operations
Early Recognition Is Critical (E.R.I.C)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.earlyrecognitioniscritical.org