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• Australian Flying Disc Association welcomes Craig Savage as President

Australian Flying Disc Association welcomes Craig Savage as President

The Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA) is excited to introduce Craig Savage as the new President of the AFDA Board. Craig’s passion for Ultimate, dedication to growing the sport, and wealth of experience within the community make him an exceptional choice for this role. We are confident that under his leadership, the AFDA will continue to thrive, and the sport of ultimate in Australia will reach new heights.

Craig’s journey with ultimate began during his school years in the early 1990s in South Carolina, USA, where the game was known as "Frisbee football". His love for the sport continued through his university years, where he played socially despite the challenges posed by the harsh Chicago winters. It was during his graduate studies in Tucson that Craig’s involvement deepened as he played in hat leagues for nearly a decade and participated in regional US tournaments. While these tournaments were developmental rather than competitive, they cemented Craig's connection to the sport and community.

Craig moved to Australia in 2005 and joined the Albert Park League in Division 1, where he played alongside legends of the sport. Recognising the need for a more accessible and social playing environment, he took on the role of Social League Coordinator at Albert Park. Under his leadership, the league flourished, regularly attracting over 50 participants on nice days. This success marked the beginning of his commitment to growing grassroots ultimate in Australia.

Currently, Craig serves as the President and Coach of Saturday Ultimate in Melbourne. Saturday Ultimate shares a similar mission to his previous work at Albert Park Social League—providing a welcoming and inclusive space for people to try Ultimate, with an emphasis on social play and participation. The league continues to thrive, and Craig's dedication has helped create an environment where up to four fieldswhen the weather permits.

In addition to his grassroots contributions, Craig has been a key figure within the AFDA Board since his appointment in September 2020. Coming off the back of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns, Craig was motivated to join the board and make an impact from within the system. His primary aim has been to enhance the development and growth of grassroots Ultimate, demonstrating his belief that change is most effective when driven from within the organisation. In his capacity as Director, Craig also chairs the Digital Subcommittee, which is focused on piloting new systems to collect, analyse, and report on data. This initiative will be crucial as the AFDA continues to grow and professionalise, ensuring that decisions are data-driven and targeted for maximum impact.

Craig’s commitment to Ultimate is evident in every aspect of his journey, and we are excited to see the direction he takes the AFDA in his new role. As Craig stated, "It's an honour to be elected Chair by the board. I look forward to continuing to strengthen and grow the sport we all love." AFDA is confident that Craig’s passion and leadership will help elevate the sport and provide new opportunities for players of all levels across Australia.

Please join us in welcoming Craig Savage as the new President of the AFDA. We look forward to an exciting and prosperous future for the sport under his guidance. Craig’s official term as President commenced in September 2024.

Taken from the Australian Flying Disc Association Media Release on October 10, 2024.