The sporting world is filled with major finals and competitions this summer, but for one Hampshire woman her mind is firmly set on a very different championship.
Amie Channon, from Fareham, will be jetting off to Japan as part of the Great Britain Women’s Ultimate Frisbee squad, taking part in the World Flying Disc Federation’s world championships.
The 24-year-old is able to go after receiving sponsorship from Persimmon Homes’ South Coast region.
Ultimate Frisbee is an amateur sport so Amie is reliant on funding everything herself, including getting to Japan to represent her country, so sponsorship is vital for her to compete.
As part of the link with Persimmon Homes South Coast, Amie went along to a development to give workers a lesson in playing Ultimate Frisbee.
She said: “The sponsorship enables me to get on the plane with the Great Britain squad to compete in the world championships.
“I have no other sponsors so can’t thank Persimmon Homes enough for helping me compete at the top level of my sport.
“It’s a huge honour to represent your own country and I’ll be part of a really good squad that will try and bring the gold medal back to this country.”
The sport is a cross between American Football and netball with a few other rules thrown in. It’s very physical and Amie has to combine training with her job as a physical education teacher at Bridgemary School in Gosport.
Amie added: “One of the unique aspects of Ultimate Frisbee is it is refereed by the players, which encourages sportsmanship and fair play from everyone on the pitch.
“I’ve played the sport for eight years and have represented Great Britain at different levels and championships.
“The game lasts for over 100 minutes and is physically demanding, so I need to train four times a week to enable me to keep my place on the GB squad.
“I also train with the national squad twice a month to help the team gel as we live all over the country.
“We are among the world’s best teams and currently stand fifth in the world rankings, so have a great chance in Japan.
“One of the best rewards is watching the children at my school play the game during break times and there are now over 40 playing regularly and even competing at national junior tournaments.
“In 2011 one of the teams won the plate final, which came just three months after they started playing.”
Rob Allen, Persimmon Homes South Coast’s sales director, said: “Amie is clearly dedicated to her sport and it’s great to know that our sponsorship is able to help in such a big way.
“At Persimmon Homes we’re committed to supporting local communities and individuals achieve their goals.
“Ultimate Frisbee is a great way for youngsters and adults to exercise while playing a fun sport; I’m sure some of the workers Amie taught will be trying to play more this summer.
“Everyone at Persimmon Homes South Coast is hoping Amie and her team mates can bring home a medal from Japan; perhaps even the gold one.”
The world championships start on 7th July for a week and Great Britain will be competing against current champions USA along with Japan, Canada and eight other national teams.