More Than Just A Frisbee Club: Disc It For The Biscuit Wants You To Join Their Game

It's a crisp Friday night in autumn, and the soccer field at Dongfeng International Sports is filled with frisbee enthusiasts battling the winds and engaging in a casual practice. Frisbee has become one of the fastest growing sports in China, and here in the capital, the scene is thriving.

Just last month, Beijing-based frisbee club Disc it for the Biscuit held its first Frisbee for Charity tournament, during which the Beijinger even fielded a team.

Their next event takes place on Oct 29 near Ritan Park and you, dear reader, are invited to form a team of your own to take part! There are four teams in total and each team consists of seven people. Currently three teams have already been formed, and now is your chance to join the one and only team that will consist of Beijinger readers!

All the funds raised from this event will support The Learning House, an organization that provides education to orphans and children with special needs. Juan Carlos Duran, the founder of ComeUnity, works closely with this charity. “We have raised more than RMB 350,000 since December 2020. Helping those in need means so much to me" Duran said.

“I visited The Learning House once before. When I was there, I saw kids who have life-long conditions like Down Syndrome. They couldn't even take care of themselves at all" says Hillary Wang, the founder of Disc it for the Biscuit. “You know that frisbee is a group sport. So I was thinking to myself the other day: why not organize an event like Frisbee for Charity so we can raise funds for those children in need?”

This was how the idea Frisbee for Charity came into formation. “We were able to raise more than RMB 2000 at our first fundraising event and I am very happy about it. I know that the living costs in Beijing can be extremely high and that's why the event is free entry” Wang says.

Initially Hillary thought it was a one time thing to host an event like Frisbee for Charity, but the support from her club members quickly solidified her determination to make it an ongoing monthly event so that the club can raise more funds for children.

Calvin Cheng, another frisbee enthusiast who joined Disc it for the Biscuit a few months ago, explained to us why he is drawn to the concept. “It was in 2021 when I first participated in a fundraising event to raise funds for a young Brazilian man who lost his right leg in a car accident. He had been trying to save up to buy a prosthetic limb, but he couldn't raise enough money. So eventually four gyms in Beijing teamed up to set up a fundraiser for him and they were able to raise RMB 37,000 in total. In the end, the man finally had enough money to buy a prosthetic. I was very happy to be a part of this fundraising campaign to help someone in need.”

“Events like Frisbee for Charity have a noble cause and provide goodwill in the community. I am definitely very supportive of what Hillary and the club has been doing” Cheng continues.

“It is really important to make contributions, no matter how little, to people who are in need. I definitely hope that more people will be involved in these kinds of charity event" says Alex Felipe, another member of Disc it for the Biscuit hailing from Brazil.

Unlike other sports, there is an almost bonding feeling among folks coming out to play frisbee every week, and it's certainly not uncommon for strangers to team up and share their frisbee throwing skills.

“They say your vibe attracts your tribe. I feel like I've finally found my tribe after joining Disc it for the Biscuit. I know there are many frisbee clubs where there are some influencers who take part just to pose for the camera and get likes, but Disc it for the Biscuit is not one of them. Then there are other clubs that pressure you to compete at a professional level. I feel like it's so nice to have a club like Disc it for the Biscuit where people can chill and relax on a Friday night” Cheng said.

“Being able to raise money and give back to the community is a rewarding experience for me. It is an incredible feeling to be able to give a helping hand to someone in need" adds Wang.

Indeed, there is nothing that feels greater than giving back to the community while having fun. "The satisfaction not only comes from seeing people build their Frisbee skills, but also seeing friendships grow and develop through mutual love of sports" explains Lyndon Cura, one of the team coaches.

Those interested in participating the event can add Wang here.

READ: Why Is Ultimate Frisbee So Popular in Beijing Right Now? | the Beijinger

Images: Courtesy of Steven Ribet & Uni You&Hillary Wang