This Saturday, Vicious Circle Disc Golf will be hosting the fifth annual Iowa City Ice Bowl charity doubles tournament at the Peninsula Park disc golf course.
Since the first tournament was held in Columbia, MO back in 1987, Ice Bowls have been organized throughout the U.S. during January and February with a goal of giving cabin fever stricken disc golfers a chance to hit the course while also giving back to their communities.
In that spirit, all proceeds from this year’s Iowa City Ice Bowl will benefit the Johnson County Crisis Center and Food Bank. In addition to a $30 per team registration fee, teams are asked to bring at least 10 cans of food or an extra $10. Tournament director Andy Hamer says he’s proud of what the event has been able to contribute to the Johnson County Food Bank in previous years.
“Usually, on average, we end up with between 200 and 400 pounds of food that people bring,” Hamer said. “We’ve donated, with the entry fees, between $600 and $1000. Last year, when we donated $1000, the food bank told us that they get discounts and they can turn a dollar into four pounds of food. That $1000 got turned into 4000 pounds of food.”
Even though this might turn out be a particularly cold year for the Ice Bowl, Hamer says he expects a healthy turnout of between 50 and 60 participants. With a name like Ice Bowl and a motto of “No wimps, no whiners,” cancellation due to weather isn’t much of an option.
Depending upon how many people show up, the tournament will be divided into four or five skill-based divisions ranging from recreational to professional.
“This one is fun because there’s no pressure,” Hamer said. “You’re just playing for a first place trophy. There aren’t any other prizes. It’s mostly just to come out and have fun, experience it, and just know that everything is going to a good cause.”
Registration for the event is from 8:00 to 9:15 a.m. at Peninsula Park, with tee off at 9:30. Find complete information here, and stay warm out there!
