Paul McBeth Foundation and Nyandungu Eco-Park unveil Disc Golf in Rwanda
Nyandungu Eco-Park has become the stage for a new sporting innovation as disc golf is introduced, blending sport, conservation and youth empowerment in Rwanda.
Unveiled on Sunday, 7th June 2026, through a partnership between Nyandungu Eco-Park and the Paul McBeth Foundation, an international organization dedicated to expanding access to disc golf worldwide, the initiative marks a milestone for Rwanda in embracing a sport blending competition, strategy and a deep respect for nature.
Located in the heart of Kigali, Nyandungu Eco-Park is one of Rwanda’s leading environmental restoration projects.
Established on rehabilitated wetlands, the park covers more than 120 hectares and serves as a model for biodiversity conservation, ecological education and sustainable tourism.
Its extensive green spaces, indigenous trees, walking trails and protected habitats make it an ideal venue for outdoor recreational activities that coexist with nature.
Disc golf, often described as a blend of traditional golf and frisbee, was first developed in the United States during the 1970s and has since grown into a global sport played in more than 80 countries.
The objective is simple ‘Players throw a specialized flying disc toward a metal basket target, attempting to complete each hole in the fewest throws possible.
While easy to learn, the sport demands precision, mental focus, strategic decision-making and technical skill’.
According to Nyandungu Eco-Park Manager Kambogo Ildephonse, the park’s commitment to environmental protection made it the perfect location for introducing the sport.
“Disc golf is played in environmentally protected areas, which is why we found it suitable for Nyandungu. The sport aligns perfectly with our mission of environmental conservation and sustainable recreation”, he said.
Unlike many sports that require extensive infrastructure, disc golf courses are designed to integrate naturally into existing landscapes.
Players navigate trees, vegetation and natural terrain, making every throw a challenge while preserving the surrounding ecosystem.
Representing the Paul McBeth Foundation and serving as East Africa Coordinator for the Professional Disc Golf Association, Israel Mwanguzi emphasized that environmental stewardship is embedded in the sport’s culture.
“Disc golf is unique because it respects nature. We work alongside biodiversity, trees and ecosystems. We have strict environmental guidelines and believe that sport and nature must coexist”, Mwanguzi explained
Founded by multiple-time world champion Paul McBeth, the Paul McBeth Foundation focuses on building disc golf courses in underserved communities around the world while creating opportunities for education, recreation and youth empowerment.
Mwanguzi emphasized that young people remain central to the sport’s future.
“When you want future champions and professional players, they are the children you see today. Disc golf helps develop critical thinking, concentration, physical fitness and confidence while providing opportunities for growth and exposure”, he added.
As discs now glide through the restored landscapes of Nyandungu Eco-Park, Rwanda is embracing more than a new sport.
The initiative represents a powerful model where environmental responsibility, community engagement and athletic development work together—demonstrating that the champions of tomorrow can be nurtured while protecting the natural world they will inherit.
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