If the 2021 Pro Disc Golf Association Junior Worlds is any indication, the future of the sport is quite bright.
Dynamic Discs Event Coordinator Doug Bjerkaas tells KVOE News he was blown away by the growth of the sport since the Junior Worlds first came to Emporia in 2013. That year, there were around 60 participants. This year, there were over 250 and tournament organizers had to use a waiting list for the overflow. On top of that, Bjerkaas says the talent at the junior level has increased dramatically the last eight years.
Bjerkaas says Emporia took full advantage of the opportunity of hosting a third straight world championship at the junior level, with activities like Friday’s Block Party and Carnival enhancing the atmosphere for players and the public alike.
Emporia reached an agreement with PDGA to host the Junior Worlds for three straight years. The presence of COVID-19 forced last year’s event to be canceled, but PDGA honored its agreement and pushed the final championship in this term to this year. Bjerkaas was grateful for the community support.
Bjerkaas also says the Junior Worlds are the latest example where disc golfers from across the country come to play in Emporia because of the city’s reputation surrounding disc golf.
Peoria, Illinois, will host next year’s championship.
