By Daniel Etchells

The World Flying Disc Federation now has 62 members ©WFDFThe World Flying Disc Federation's (WFDF) Congress has approved the United Arabian Ultimate (UAU) and the Féderation Congolaise de Disque Volant (FCDV) as national members.

The acceptance of the Asian and African organisations increases the WFDF's membership portfolio to 62 across 58 countries.

"We are pleased that WFDF's Congress has admitted the member associations from the United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of Congo," said WFDF President Robert Rauch.

"Flying disc activity in Dubai under UAU President Patrick Maye has been quite active and it is growing rapidly and we expect that this will catalyse the further growth of our sport in other countries in the Middle East."

The UAE, whose teams have participated in WFDF sanctioned events in the past, are  due host the 2015 World Championships of Beach Ultimate on Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Residence in March.

"Recognition by WFDF is a very big deal for us and something we have been working towards for some time," said UAU's Maye.

"Membership will help develop Ultimate not just in the UAE but regionally too.

"We may be a small community of players but we hope to be an active member learning from and contributing to the global Ultimate community in the years to come."

The World Championships of Beach Ultimate will take place on Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Residence in March ©Getty ImagesThe 2015 World Championships of Beach Ultimate will take place on Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Residence in March ©Getty Images



According to Rauch, the WFDF has specifically established the development of flying disc in Africa as a key element in their development strategy.

He said they are "excited" to see the FCDV join Uganda as a WFDF member in East Africa, where flying disc is reaching other countries including Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.

He also thanked José Nkanga and Haru Ohkawa, President and vice-president of FCDV respectively, for all their organisational efforts.

"We are deeply honoured to join WFDF as a regular member," said Ohkawa.  

"Our goal is to achieve a peaceful and safe world with a Frisbee."

You can find out more about UAU by clicking here.

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