Ultimate event draws top athletes to Okanagan

The Mission Sports Fields in Kelowna will be the site for the “ultimate showdown” this weekend

The Kelowna Ultimate Players Society is hosting top Ultimate athletes from the Prairies, Western Canada, and Washington State for Sunflicker – a showcase of one of Canada’s most exhilarating mixed-gender sports.

“Often dubbed as Ultimate Frisbee, this pulse-pounding sport merges speed, skill, and teamwork in a high-octane race to score points by completing passes into the endzone. With mixed-gender teams dominating the field, Ultimate is a dynamic display of athleticism and camaraderie at its finest,” a news release from the organizers stated.

(Photo credit: Ultimate Kelowna)

Powered by sponsors such as Prospera Credit Union, Sun-Rype, Save On Foods, Coast Capri Hotel, and The Shore, Sunflicker will feature 32 teams battling it out May 6 and 7 at the Mission Sports Fields.

“Expect fierce competition as teams from Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and even Seattle converge to showcase their prowess in either the competitive or recreational divisions. Many teams boast elite-level Ultimate players who regularly crush it at national and international levels,” the release added.

“Ultimate is a heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat spectacle for fans and newcomers alike,” Paul Brain, president of the Kelowna Ultimate Players Society, said.

“Sunflicker promises to serve up a dizzying display of hucks, layouts, and defensive face-offs that will leave you breathless!”

The society invites the public to watch any part of the tournament but especially the high-stakes championship game at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 7.