Almost 1,300 athletes will compete in the European Ultimate Frisbee Championship in Limerick this week. 

From today, athletes from 20 countries will take part in the disc-throwing competition at the University of Limerick. 

The Championship will open with a showcase game between current title holders Irish Women’s team and Germany. 

This is the first time the eight-day event will be held in Ireland. 

Ireland v Canada at University of Limerick for the 2022 World Masters Ultimate Frisbee Championship Kicks-Off in Limerick, 25/06/2022. Image: Brian Arthur

Tournament Director Liam Grant said the Irish Women’s team is keen to defend its title on home soil. 

“Irish Women won gold last time [in 2019],” he said. “The Irish Women's team has probably changed a lot so they're maybe not as good – they wouldn’t be as keen favourites [but] you never know on home soil. 

“The three divisions are Open, Women’s and Mixed. I’d say the Irish Mixed team are favourites to win the Mixed division this year... I won’t be surprised if Ireland gets a gold medal in one of the divisions.” 

Ultimate Frisbee Irish Women's team player Jessica Chambers with the Irish Women's team. Image: Facebook/Jessica Chambers

Ultimate Frisbee players must make complete passes across the field until one player catches it in the endzone while the defending team tries to intercept passes or force players to make an incomplete pass. 

The Ukrainian Flying Disc Federation will also hold a Play for Ukraine campaign “to spread awareness amongst the flying disc community about how the war affects the Ukrainian community and offering ways to express support”. 

UL hosted the World Masters in the niche sport last summer, where over 2,000 athletes participated. 

The full European Ultimate Frisbee Championship is open to the public and available to watch online.