Hi all! Its been great to hear from Huddle founders and the many other contributors ahead of next month’s Worlds tournament. I appreciate the invitation to participate and send back reports about the competition and experience.

First off, my name’s Ben Spears and I live in Atlanta, GA, USA (proud host of the ‘96 Olympics). I learned about competitive ultimate in college in Washington, DC (played for the “g-dub” Hippos) and this is my fifth Chain Lightning season. The city of Atlanta has had a great ultimate culture for several decades – thanks mainly to organizers, lots of talent, and spirited played throughout the area – its no accident that elite teams do well here (including Ozone and others).

Coming off last year’s national championship, expectations and hopes for Chain Lightning 2010 are high. That championship and this Worlds trip are firsts for most of my teammates… and while I expect Chain to be in a good place this Fall to defend the UPA/USAU championship, the Worlds tournament is a rare opportunity for international competition and camaraderie — strong emphasis on both.

What I’m hoping to talk about in short and possibly rambling bursts during Worlds is the following:

1. the feel of international ultimate games, including communication, gift-giving, and general spirit between competing teams on the field
2. the Worlds experience, like having a week-long schedule of ultimate, leisure, tourism, and partying
3. the inter-cultural social scenes we find ourselves in in Prague, such as world cup bars and dance clubs, impromptu singing and storytelling on shuttles, sideline games and more

Since I’m starting my Europe travel tonight, I have already packed, made a list of my goals at the tournament, and printed my boarding pass. I’m excited! Feel free to send along ideas or questions, feedback or encouragement. I’m at benjamin (dot) spears (at) gmail (dot) com.

Looking forward to traveling, playing, and huddle-ing!