(Image) Kentucky Deaf Disc Golf Association
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About KDDGA History

(Image) History

 

In the past, in various disc golf courses Deaf people gathered together and played disc golf recreationally as there were few disc golf courses in Kentucky . Disc golf was introduced to most long-time Kentucky Deaf disc golfers during the 1990’s. As years passed by, more and more Deaf people played disc golf.

 

During the year 2007, Ant Isaacs came back to Kentucky after completing his two bachelor degrees at Gallaudet University in Washington , DC and his master degree at McDaniel College in Maryland . He played disc golf with some well-known Deaf disc golfers while he attended Gallaudet University where his love for disc golf grew. Some of Ant’s friends established Deaf disc golf clubs or organizations in other states, and/or ran as officers for their Deaf disc golf clubs or organizations. These friends mentioned to Ant about their clubs or organizations, and then Ant started to develop a passion to establish a non-profit Deaf disc golf organization in Kentucky .

 

Ant discussed with some Kentucky Deaf disc golfers about establishing a Deaf disc golf organization in Kentucky , and they agreed the idea of establishing a Deaf disc golf organization was wonderful. Donations and some help from the community helped to get KDDGA on its feet. KDDGA became established and recognized as a non-profit corporation in the year of 2008. KDDGA began with nine members in its first year, which was a “positive start for a Deaf disc golf organization,” as stated by Chad Leonard, a member of SoCal Deaf Disc Golf Club, from South California .

 

On June 6, 2008 , KGGDA hosted its first league tournament at Pulaski County Park (Bottom) in Somerset , Kentucky . The course was very difficult and that tournament will always be remembered by KDDGA members who participated in that tournament.

 

Eventually, KDDGA shirts were made and distributed to its members, its website launched, events were hosted, and the league had a banquet where its members received their trophies and discs. KDDGA’s first year was very successful. 

 

KDDGA hosted its national Deaf disc golf tournament known as the Bluegrass Cup on June 12-13, 2009 at Boone Woods Park and Idlewild Park in Burlington , KY. Ant Isaacs was the Tournament Director, and Fred Salaz, 2007 PDGA Hall of Fame Inductee, helped Ant with the tournament. Deaf disc golfers from eight different states came and played in the first annual Bluegrass Cup.

 

KDDGA is in its third year now. KDDGA is hosting the second annual Bluegrass Cup at Idlewild Park in Burlington , Kentucky and Lincoln Ridge Park (formerly known as Banklick Park ) in Independence , Kentucky on June 18-19, 2010 . After all of the achievements KDDGA has made since its establishment in 2008, KDDGA is looking forward to continuing its reputation as a rock-solid organization that will run for many years.

 


(Image) Byron disc golfing
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