High Flying Times at Smith River Sports Complex

The third annual Virginia Fusion Ultimate Frisbee Tournament will be held on September 15th and 16th at the Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC). This is the second time that Fusion will be taking place at the Sports Complex put on by Without Limits which is looking to have between 500-600 participants from all over the East Coast.

"The community can expect to see a fast-paced game played by a lot of dedicated athletes. In the club division, we have some of the best players and teams in the country participating. The sport is a lot of fun to watch with lots of exciting plays being made on both offense and defense," said Michelle Ng, co-founder of Without Limits.

Ultimate is a 7 v 7 game played on a field slightly smaller than a football field. Players cannot run with the disc and must complete passes to score in the end zone. The opposing team plays defense and if there is a turnover, they try to score in the opposite direction. Teams will typically play 3-4 games each day. This tournament is special because at the end of Saturday, they will have a trade show where the top teams in the country set up information tables and have games and prizes set up for the college players. Team merchandise will also be for sale. After that, the club players will host a skills clinic where they teach the college players a variety of skills critical to the game. On Sunday, teams will participate in bracket elimination play.

The tentative schedule is as follows: On Saturday the competition for Elite Club Division and College Division will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Regular Club Division will play from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. There will be a trade show from 3:45 p.m. to 4:3 p.m.0 and a skills clinic for the participants from 4:45 p.m. to 6:05 p.m. The competition will begin again on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5:15 p.m. for all divisions.
For the club teams, Virginia Fusion is their last chance to see top-level competition before Regional's and Nationals. It's a tune-up tournament as these teams prepare for the last part of the season. For the college teams, it's a fun way to kick off the season and show rookies what the sport is all about.

"We are very excited to once again play host to Virginia Fusion. The tournament is very organized and the economic impact it brings to our area is massive," said Billy Russo, Director of Operations for the Smith River Sports Complex. "We will continue to work with Ultimate organizers on bringing these types of events to our complex and community in the future."

Without Limits, an organization dedicated to creating and developing opportunities for women Ultimate players, will be hosting the tournament along with partners North Carolina Phoenix and University of Georgia Dawgma.

Ng started Without Limits in 2010 because she saw a need and wanted to make a difference. She has been running tournaments since 2005 and has run close to 50 tournaments and clinics since then.

College and club teams that will be participating are:
Elite Club: Phoenix from Raleigh-Durham, NC, Brute Squad from Boston, MA, Nemesis from Chicago, IL, Ozone from Atlanta, GA, Scandal from Washington, DC, Hot Metal Regular from Pittsburgh PA

Club: Ember from Raleigh-Durham, NC, VA Rebellion from Central Virginia, Vice from Boston, MA, Sweet T from Raleigh-Durham, NC, Seaweed Club from Wilmington, NC, Backhanded Compliments from Baltimore MD, Bangarang from Charlotte NC

College: Wake Forest University Ruckus, George Washington University Hungry Hungry Hippos, University of Virginia Hydra, Virginia Commonwealth University Biscuit Villains, Georgetown University Huckin' Foyas, Penn State University Isis, Lehigh University Gravity, James Madison University, University of Delaware Sideshow, College of William & Mary Mother Huckers, Ohio State University Fever, Swarthmore College Warmothers, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Pleiades, West Virginia University W.H.U.T., Duke University Chakra, Liberty University DMACS

The Smith River Sports Complex invites everyone out to this free event so make sure you come out to experience this unique and fast growing sport. Concessions will be open and visitors will also be able to enjoy an exceptional playground area, walking trails, and access to the Smith River.

For more information about the event and Ultimate Frisbee please visit www.withoutlimits.com. You can also visit www.southernvirginiasports.com or contact Amanda Gray at (276) 638-5200 for any questions or concerns.