TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – While the winter weather is still a couple of days away, the East Texans at the 20th annual Ice Bowl disc golf tournament were prepared and have played through the roughest conditions. As the motto says, “No wimps, No whiners.”

“We have been out here in sleet. We have been out here in almost snow and rain,” said Debbie Isham, the special events coordinator for the City of Tyler.

The tournament brings together disc golf players of all skill levels and ages to compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes, while also giving back to the community.

“Not only has this event in the 20 years of its existence raised enough funds for over 200,000 meals, but what’s also important is just educating the community that hunger is a problem, not just during the holidays or during the summer, but year round,” said Tim Butler, the chief development officer for the East Texas Food Bank.

While many meals have been given back to East Texans, the goal of the tournament has a much greater reach than even the country.

“It’s actually now international, so it’s across the United States and then in other countries. All of these Ice Bowls, across the world, they help raise money and the majority of them go to food banks,” said Isham.

Butler said this event has become a yearly staple for the food bank and has been key to being able to help East Texans.

“It really stands out to me because of the enthusiasm that participants have for helping people. I mean, we had someone drop off 20 cases of canned goods today. They are just excited to drop it off and help people, so it’s really great getting out here on a chilly winter day and helping feed the hungry,” said Butler.

He said the money from participants signing up will be able to fund over 10,000 meals.

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