This winter, under the lights of Ngā Puna Wai, ultimate (frisbee) discs can be seen flying as Canterbury Ultimate grows participation and activates this space in a unique way.

Canterbury Ultimate (CU), originally Canterbury Flyers Frisbee Club (CFFC), is the regional body for New Zealand Ultimate in the Canterbury region. CFFC was established in 1994 and has been growing the sport of ultimate (frisbee) in Canterbury ever since.

The opening of Ngā Puna Wai has come as a source of great delight to the sport, giving them much greater flexibility with twilight training, to realise their potential and further grow participation.

Richard Fernando, who manages the Youth Ultimate Portfolio for the Canterbury Ultimate Board, believes that having an international standard facility raises the profile of the sport. “Ngā Puna Wai is a world class facility and being in this environment makes the sport more consistent and gives ultimate another step towards credibility and accessibility.”

Ultimate utilises the illuminated athletics infield at Ngā Puna Wai in different ways over autumn and winter. On Tuesday nights, a combination of both social and competitive players come together for the Winter League competition, which attracts more than 130 players each week. Then on Thursday nights from 6:30 – 8pm, Credo - an affiliated club, offers Skill Development sessions for anyone who wants to have a go. These “meet ups” are to provide more opportunities to those in the community and recreation space to be exposed to the sport as well as attracting new players who are interested in developing their skills. Fernando, who plays and coaches with Credo, comments: “By holding these sessions at Ngā Puna Wai, we are able to provide for, and attract new players. Being a dedicated sports facility, it is an awesome environment that everyone can feel a part of.” Thursday nights also have Pickup (show up and play) for anyone wanting to have a go at playing in a game situation.

Last month, on the community fields at Ngā Puna Wai, New Zealand Ultimate hosted the Southern Regional Talent ID Camp, for top athletes to be considered for selection in the Senior National Training Squad. According to Fernando; “The fact that Canterbury Ultimate could put forward such a high-class facility definitely made a positive impression on the national team coaches and staff, and they can now see Christchurch as a contender for future national camps and events.”
 

This notion is reflected in the comments made by the New Zealand Ultimate Senior Men's Manager, Mike Sheridan: “We are incredibly lucky for the community to have access to this facility in Christchurch.”

Canterbury Ultimate is creating quality experiences for its players, while at the same time growing participation through the utilisation of Ngā Puna Wai. The facility has proven once again that it is stand out space that can be activated by any sport or activity.

Head along on a Thursday night and experience for yourself all that Ngā Puna Wai has to offer, while getting involved in an exhilarating sport that will welcome you with open arms.

For more information on Thursday night Skill Development sessions please follow Credo Ultimate Club on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/credoultimate

For Ngā Puna Wai booking enquiries, contact - npwbookings@ccc.govt.nz