Regional Update - Summer 2015


people in the right roles. We look forward to seeing how this group of dedicated individuals can work together to integrate the ultimate programs in Edmonton and Calgary with the emerging scenes in smaller communities. Thanks to all the volunteers who are working to grow, promote, and integrate Ultimate in Alberta.


University Ultimate is on the rise in Winnipeg


Prairies By: Mike Chura


Five years ago, Winnipeg made a triumphant return to the Canadian University Ultimate scene. Starting from a single consortium team between the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg, the


members of the community have worked tirelessly to build and grow to where we are today.


From one team between the U of M and U of W, Winnipeg now boasts five teams (an average of one new team per year). Two U of M Open, U of M Women’s, U of W Open and Women’s teams are all now established and growing programs. There are plans to add the Canadian Mennonite


University and Red River College into the fold soon.


This “boom” has been driven from a dream to see Winnipeg host an annual college


league between the local institutions. Breeding a competitive scene locally eliminates the necessity to travel for quality competition. To facilitate this, players at each institution are involving themselves with the local


junior and club programs. Teaching youth players how to play while seeding the culture is required to run a successful university program. The U of M’s development squad illustrated the impact of this outreach. This investment into youth has now created a situation where the U of M and U of W can share notes and help focus on the years to come.


U of W’s open team has already begun practising and fund raising for the 2016 season where they intend on going to CUUC. U of M, after a heartfelt loss in this year’s final, has set their sites on the US series this spring. All of the efforts being made by every team have been thought out and calculated to offer the best program to current players while ensuring continuous growth and success.


Winnipeg’s universities have focused on growing the already legitimate programs, not worried about the current perception of our sport. It will be exciting to see what things change over the next five years, and if Winnipeg can continue it’s push forward in an under-utilized avenue of play.


The University of Winnipeg practices for the first time.


Photo: Mike Chura Ultimate Canada Magazine - www.canadianultimate.com 19


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