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Ultimate is a word that invokes notions of extreme success; a pinnacle of achievement.

It also represents a sport where players run full tilt for more than an hour, laying their bodies out, attempting to break free of defenders and grab hold of a flying disc.

The name suits it perfectly.

The Yukon Ultimate Frisbee Association operates year round with the players moving indoors to the Canada Games Centre in the winter and sticking to the outdoor fields as long as possible in the summer and fall.

This summer the turnout has been strong, said Kris Schneider, president of the association.

Schneider, who is now in his seventh year as president, said the level of skill varies on the field during any given game and players of all levels are encouraged to come out and give the sport a try.

The association is part of Ultimate Canada, which grants them access to Ultimate Canada-sanctioned events, including the Championship Series and gives athletes the opportunity to compete as a member of a Canadian national team.

One Yukoner, Mike Grant, did just that this year.

Grant traveled to Japan in July where he competed with the Canadian national team in the Open Master's division.

As the only Yukoner competing on the world circuit, Grant brought home a gold after Canada defeated Australia in the finals of the World Ultimate Championships.

Knowing that not everyone is a world-class player, the local association is welcoming to new members.

Schneider said that while many prefer playing ultimate in the outdoors, the indoor season can be beneficial to those new to the game.

Wind and rain are no longer factors and new athletes can learn the basics of offense and defence.

Ultimate is played between two teams of seven players aside.

A goal is scored and a single point is awarded when a team completes a pass into the opposing endzone.

A typical game goes to 15 points with a win by two and cap at 17 rule.

While the players spend the majority of the game darting back and forth, trying to rid themselves of their one-on-one defender, once they get their hands on the disc they have to stay in place.

They then have the option to send the disc in any direction, trying to avoid the outstretched arms of their defender.

If the disc is batted to the ground or intercepted by the other team, the possession changes.

The top-flight leagues display superior conditioning and athleticism.

Unlike most competitive sports, ultimate games are completely self-officiated, spreading a spirit of sportsmanship and respect.

That spirit was on full display as a group of 12 athletes gathered at the Takhini Elementary School for a pick-up game on Monday night.

The players raced up and down the field, hunching over in exhaustion with each break in play, but smiling the entire time.

The association will begin their transition back into the Canada Games Centre in October.