Canine Frisbee World Championship returns to Naperville Sept. 4-5

The fur will fly this Labor Day weekend as the Ashley Whippet Invitational competition returns to Naperville.

A new world champion frisbee dog and human team will be crowned after two days of competition on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4-5 at Nike Sports Complex, 288 W. Diehl Road.

The event runs 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days. It is the final event of the year for the Ashley Whippet Invitational. This event is free for spectators.

Nearly 75 human and dog teams are expected to attend and test their skill in two areas, toss & catch and freestyle, both of which will be judged by a team of veterans and experts.

Competitors come from all over the country, and in some cases the world, though pandemic concerns may limit that attendance this year.

Social distancing is expected from all competitors and spectators, but all are encouraged to stop by and watch the excitement.

The Ashley Whippet Invitational is the original and longest-running disc dog competition series in the world, from 1975 until today, and has been held in Naperville since 2003, thanks to resident Hall of Fame member Tom Wehrli.

"We are very grateful to the Naperville Park District and our sponsors for helping us make this event possible year after year," Wehrli said.

Canine frisbee began its journey to an organized sport on Aug. 5, 1974, when Alex Stein jumped onto the field of Dodger Stadium with his dog Ashley during the 7th inning stretch. Though he was later arrested, their tricks entranced the crowd and caught the attention of Irv Lander, a Wham-O executive.

Lander reunited Alex with Ashley, and together they created local, regional, and eventually national contests and demonstrations. Though Ashley and Irv have both since passed away, Alex Stein will be in attendance at this special event.

Learn more at www.ashleywhippet.com/world-championships.