The Ice Bowl motto is “no wimps, no whiners,” because Ice Bowls, all of which are held between January and March, cannot be canceled or postponed under any circumstances. The snowiest tournament saw players walking on 80 inches of snow in Halifax, Nova Scotia, while the coldest Ice Bowl was played in sub-zero temperatures in Sudbury, Ontario.
One hundred pounds of canned food and $1,000 is the goal when the Roanoke Disc Golf Club tees off its inaugural Ice Bowl this Saturday, February 20th.
The tournament will take place on the disc golf course at Botetourt County’s Greenfield Park at 10:00a.m. rain, snow, ice, or shine. The entry fee is $20, and includes a commemorative disc, a mini disc, and a donation to the Rescue Mission.
Columbia, Missouri was the site of the first Disc Golf Ice Bowl in 1987. Now official Ice Bowls are played throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe, each with a mission to support a local charity. This year’s worldwide goal for Ice Bowl charitable fundraising is $360,000.
Tournament Director Dustin Olin is hoping to raise awareness and passion for Disc Golf in this region, and says anyone is welcome to participate regardless of age or whether they have ever played before. “Ten dollars right off the top automatically goes to the Roanoke Rescue Mission,” says Olin. “The goal is to reach $1000.” Olin says he aims to grow the tournament and increase that amount year after year.
“We’re excited about such a fun, family-friendly event to benefit the Rescue Mission,” says CEO Joy Sylvester-Johnson. “We’re always on the lookout for free outdoor activities that our guests can enjoy. The Valley has several well designed disc golf courses providing great opportunities for outdoor recreation all year long. As for the tournament on February 20th—it’s just like the Mission workers—regardless of the weather—Ice Bowl Players show up!”
