Winter glow

Usually Frisbee Worlds is held in the northern hemisphere in summer, so we train at home in winter. Weekend training camps start with cold dewy mornings, the sun ascends and it gets warm and dry, hours later the camp ends with a subtle natural ceremony that somehow feels like home.


Around 4 o’clock on Sunday, day two of a winter training camp, it ends. Players take off their cleats, there is skin missing off a hip, a small stack of frisbees balances quietly to the side, people stand together in knots and they feel a pull and a glow. Some have to rush to the airport, some are exhausted and in pain. There is talk of what happened and talk of what is next. Bodies sag and, if it’s been good, spirits glow.


The natural world delivers a mirrored reflection. The winter sun sinks early and then slips in sideways above the now shadowed ground. The trees glow. The field is suddenly dark and heavy while the contrast to the surrounding trees is marked. Light and colour rising from the dimming base.


Jackets are pulled on and quiet voices say words of love and pride. Camp is over, the trees glow a little longer.