Strollers on the sidelines

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Lauren Chambers

At 13 months old, Cory Nounnan is likely the youngest participant at Worlds here in Turku. His parents Leeann and Daryl Nounnan play for Team U.S.A: Women's and Mixed respectively. They decided that to really be able to relax and play their best meant having their son come all the way from California despite the expense and added stress of having a toddler to care for. Daryl has his mother Michelle, as support during the trip, which includes a day and a half in London and five days in Helsinki.

This is Cory's fourth tournament since birth, his first being U.P.A.'s in Sarasota when he was just four months old. Leeann got right back into playing top level ultimate after giving birth and says that the physical wear and tear of playing actually seem easier to handle now.

As far as being a distraction is concerned, Leeann said that Cory is a perfectly calm little guy who has adapted well to travel. She mentioned that, after renting bikes to get around Helsinki, it started to rain as the couple headed out. Deciding not to let it ruin their trip, they covered up with ponchos and set off. Concerned with how Cory was handling the rain they turned around to find him sleeping deeply, oblivious to the weather.

Also here with their child is Australian couple Leon Smith and Helen Osmond. They didn't have the luxury of a family member to help them so Leon decided to play with the Master's team instead of Mixed because he felt that this would allow him more freedom to look after little Thea, 2.

The financial sacrifice for these couples has been great, but all agree that competition at this level comes along rarely and the experience of playing at Worlds is worth it.