When the snow blankets the ground and the cold air bites, some sports take a hiatus, but not for members of the Yellowknife Ultimate Club. Instead, it’s just another opportunity to play.
Despite the chill on Sunday afternoon, ultimate Frisbee players took to the grounds at Yellowknife Somba K’e Civic Plaza for The Ultimate Meltdown 2024.
“It’s great fun to play in the snow because you can make diving catches and it’s not physically punishing like… on grass or dirt,” said Philip Boulton, a member of the club’s board of directors.
However, with lesser turnout than expected, they had to settle for a three-on-three match. But the spirit of the game wasn’t dampened.
“It really is hit or miss. I’m guessing it’s the Easter weekend and people are doing other things, but I didn’t know whether really scheduling on Easter was going to be good for attendance or bad for attendance. And it looks like I got my answer,” said Boulton.
He added that the club, which organizes one or two ultimate events in the snow annually, saw this as a chance for exercise, camaraderie and fun. A previous winter event aligned with World Snow Day in January.
Jeremy Flatt took his two daughters to the event to introduce them to the sport at their young age.
“[No matter] how many people show up, the important thing is to have fun and enjoy the activities,” he said.