This Labor Day weekend, dogs and their humans will be catching more than just a break from work at the 50th anniversary of the canine frisbee world championship in Naperville. The event, officially named the Ashley Whippet Invitational, will take place on September 4 and 5 at the Nike Sports Complex. As reported by the Daily Herald, spectators can enjoy the festivities from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both days, free of charge, as reported by Daily Herald.
The competition is slated to feature about 75 duos from various parts of the globe, such as Hungary, Spain, and Japan, that have made their way to Naperville — pandemic concerns notwithstanding, as per the Chicago Tribune. Participants will showcase their skills in toss & catch and freestyle events, judged by seasoned veterans of the K-9 frisbee domain. However, amid the excitement, spectators and competitors alike are expected to maintain social distancing, emphasizing safety in conjunction with high-flying entertainment.
Tom Wehrli, a resident of Naperville and a Hall of Fame member, has been instrumental in bringing the competition to the city since 2003. In an interview with the Daily Herald, Wehrli expressed gratitude towards the Naperville Park District and sponsors for their ongoing support. Adding a personal touch to the array of performances will be Adrian Stoica, last year's "America's Got Talent" winner known for his dog tricks, although his famous pooch Hurricane will not be present.
With a history dating back to 1974, when Alex Stein and his whippet Ashley stormed the field at Dodger Stadium, the Ashley Whippet Invitational has grown into a global phenomenon. Despite the initial hiccup, where Stein was arrested for his impromptu and now legendary performance, this act marked the birth of competitive K-9 frisbee. "It’s just incredible," Stein told the Chicago Tribune, reflecting on the sport’s evolution.
