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Cheers echoed through the trees at the Villa Maria Disc Golf Course in Cupertino on Saturday, May 16, as students, families, teachers, and community members gathered for the 4th Annual Sunnyvale Youth Disc Golf Tournament, a growing event that continues to introduce more students to the sport while building community connections across schools.

Hosted by Fairwood Explorer Elementary fifth-grade teacher and Tournament Director Joe Gabent, the tournament featured 46 student players from Fairwood Explorer Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, Cumberland Elementary, Columbia Middle School, and Sunnyvale Middle School.

“It has been amazing to see the growth of the tournament over the last four years, with more players participating every year,” Gabent said. “The involvement of the community is fantastic, too. We had a large group of family members, teachers, and parents volunteering to help at the event. I hope more schools discover disc golf. One of the things that’s great about it is that the barrier for entry is pretty low. Anyone can play!”

What began in 2023 with only the Fairwood Disc Golf Club has expanded each year. In 2024, fifth-grade teacher Kevin Davis launched the Lakewood Disc Golf Crew and joined the tournament. This year, Playworks Coach Hootie Morris introduced the Cumberland Disc Golf Club for the first time.

Disc golf is similar to traditional golf, but instead of clubs and golf balls, players throw flying discs toward chain baskets in as few throws as possible. Throughout the tournament, students competed in groups led by teachers and parent volunteers while also participating in a Distance Contest, Putting Contest, and Ace Contest.

One of the tournament’s most memorable moments came in the Boys Division, where Fairwood students Sebi and Zachary finished tied with scores of 49, marking the event’s first championship tie. The two competed in a playoff on Hole 12, where Sebi secured the title with a strong drive off the tee.

Students were also recognized during an awards ceremony attended by Jim Challas, disc golf hall-of-famer and designer of the Villa Maria Disc Golf Course.

“The disc golf tournament was a lot of fun,” Fairwood Explorer Elementary fourth-grade student Aspyn said. “It was great to see players from different schools come together to play. I really enjoyed it! What I like most about disc golf is that I get to play with my friends and I don’t feel pressured to win. I can just do my best and enjoy the game.”

Another student reflected on the competitive spirit of the tournament and the opportunity to play alongside talented students from across the district.

“The tournament was great and competitive for me because I had to go against good players,” Fairwood Explorer Elementary fifth-grade student Sebi said. “It was fun.”

Gabent hopes even more schools will explore creating disc golf clubs and participating in future tournaments. Schools interested in learning more can contact Joe Gabent at joe.gabent@sesd.org.

Photo Captions:

DISCGOLF_1: Students pose in front of the tournament banner during the 4th Annual Sunnyvale Youth Disc Golf Tournament on May 16 at the Villa Maria Disc Golf Course in Cupertino. The annual event brought together students and families from across the district for a day of friendly competition, sportsmanship, and community connection.

DISCGOLF_2: Sunnyvale School District staff and volunteers gather during the 4th Annual Sunnyvale Youth Disc Golf Tournament on May 16 in Cupertino.