Ultimate Frisbee players may now have their own chance to call themselves Olympic athletes after the International Olympic Committee officially recognized the World Flying Disc Federation on Sunday.

According to Sports Illustrated, the decision by the committee created an opportunity for the organization to receive funding from the IOC, as well as potential inclusion in the Olympic Games. Though the sport is eligible, it will still need to compete against a wide range of more established sports to be included in the program overall.

It is currently unclear if it is being considered as a potentially included sport in the 2016 games in Rio De Janeiro Brazil, or if it will be given its first chance in the 2022 games in Beijing. The WFDF is an international governing body for several disc-related sports. The most noted one is Ultimate Frisbee, a U.S. developed sport. Other sports that fall under the organization's umbrella are Beach Ultimate and disc golf.

"This is an incredible milestone in the 30 year history of WFDF and a further important step for our International Federation in the development of our sport worldwide," WFDF president Robert 'Nob' Rauch said in a statement after the announcement was made. "There could be no bigger anniversary present to WFDF, which was launched in August 1985, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with the IOC as our partner in promoting Flying Disc sports around the globe."

 

Tags: Ultimate Frisbee 2016 Olympics