Frisbee fans gather for the ultimate battle

Sixteen teams from around New Zealand took part in the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, including Foreign Legion's Sebastian Schmeier (left) and Eric Rennick, Disco Vegas' John Fernando and Foreign Legion's Catharine Pollard. Photo / Stephen Parker

Socialising, dressing up and fierce competition were all part of the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament held in Rotorua.

Co-ordinator for the Rotorua teams Stephanie Kamp said it was a great social occasion, as well a chance to play the sport they loved. The two-day competition saw the indoor league played at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Saturday, before the outdoor competition at Kuirau Park on Sunday. Miss Kamp described ultimate frisbee as a cross between netball and American football.

"You can't run with the disc and you need to catch it in the end zone.

"The tournament showcased everything about ultimate frisbee," Miss Kamp said.

"There were up to 100 people there and we had a lot of teams from Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Rotorua, as well as teams from different networks joining together."

Miss Kamp said there were two sides to the tournament.

"The social side of it, socialising with heaps of new people and old friends that you haven't seen in a while and a bit of [a] party on Saturday. Then it's the sporting side, where things can kind of get competitive."

Miss Kamp said overall it was an enjoyable weekend and she hoped it encouraged more people to take part in the sport.

A league has started in Rotorua, called Rotorua Ultimate. Miss Kamp invited anyone who would like to learn how to play to go along to their weekly indoor game at Lynmore Primary School Gym from 7.30pm to 8.30pm every Thursday, or contact them on their Facebook page, Rotorua Ultimate.

"No experience is required," Miss Kamp said.