DGW's Aaron Moreton Leads Australia's Sugar Gliders Back to World Games
The Sugar Gliders: Ken Summers, Blake Houston, Aaron Moreton, Cassie Sweetten, Jarrath Sweetten
It's been 24 long years since disc golf graced the World Games as a medal sport. This Friday, August 8th, that drought ends in spectacular fashion as Australia's "Sugar Gliders" head to Chengdu, China, with our very own Aaron Moreton from Disc Golf Warehouse leading the charge as Team Manager.
Aaron's journey to this moment perfectly captures what we love about disc golf: passion meeting opportunity, hard work paying off, and a community that lifts each other up. As former Queensland Disc Golf President, Innova sponsored player, and course designer of Rocklea and Carindale, Aaron has been instrumental in growing the sport in Queensland.
Sugar Gliders celebrate the win at the 2024 World Team Championships in Mundaring
The Performance That Changed Everything
Australia's path to the World Games began with a breakthrough performance at the 2024 World Team Disc Golf Championships in Mundaring late last year. Going into the competition seeded eighth and up against some of the world's top talent, few expected Australia to challenge for medals. But our team had other plans, fighting their way to the gold medal final against Estonia, ultimately claiming a 2nd place finish and Australia's ticket to the World Games.. Their best-ever result at a World Team Championship.
Leading the Sugar Gliders
"It's a great honor to be working with the Sugar Gliders again in 2025, and we look to carry forward the momentum that teams from previous international campaigns have built. The World Games is such a unique event and the scale of it is almost impossible to comprehend." - Aaron Moreton
Welcome to World Games 2025 Chengdu China
Aaron's role as Team Manager goes far beyond just showing up in China. He handles everything from competitive strategy, logistics coordination and travel planning to ensuring uniform compliance. It's comprehensive leadership that shows how seriously Australia is taking this opportunity, and Aaron knows the challenges ahead.
"The China summer is brutal, I really cannot understate that enough. The air is thick, the breeze is down and the sun shines long. Luckily, I do believe we have an advantage that these conditions are not unfamiliar to us, albeit at the wrong time of year."
Meet the Sugar Gliders
Our local Perth young gun Blake Houston, just 19 years old, represents the new generation of Australian disc golf talent. He achieved his long term goal this year of reaching a 1000 rated and has the kind of natural talent that makes other players shake their heads in amazement.
Cassie Sweetten brings the experience and championship pedigree as Co-Captain. A six-time Australian Women's Champion and legend of the game since 2008, Cassie was originally selected for the team last year but was sidelined by a broken foot. After months of rehab, she's back and ready to wear the green and gold on the sport's biggest stage.
Supporting them are caddies Jarrath Sweetten and Ken Summers, bringing over 28 years of disc golf experience between them, while Sue Summers provides additional support through her role on the WFDF Disc Golf board.
Blake showing off his putting form
The Competition Format
When: August 8-10, 2025
Where: Guixi Ecological Park, Chengdu, China
Format: 16 mixed pairs (male/female teams) competing in Modified Alternate Shot Doubles
Australia's Position: Seeded #7, competing in Pool B alongside Lithuania, Norway, and Canada
The format is fascinating: teams of two (one male, one female) competing in alternating shot doubles over 18 holes. Day one features pool play with three matches, where teams earn 2 points for a win and 1 for a draw. The top two teams from each pool advance to play for medals. It's going to be intense from the very first throw.
More Than Just a Competition
"The World Games puts disc golf on a truly global stage for all to witness. I expect that this is the most viewed disc golf event in history and in doing so will go a long way to inspiring the next generation of players, both here in China and around the world." - Aaron Moreton
With over 100 courses now operating across Australia, disc golf is experiencing unprecedented growth. Having our sport back on the World Games stage provides legitimacy and exposure that will inspire countless new players to pick up their first disc.
Supporting Our Athletes
Here at DGW, we've had the pleasure of supporting Aaron's journey for years now. Whether it's been through sponsoring events, fundraisers, or just being there for a chat, we love seeing where his passion for growing the game has taken him. Having our mate represent Australia at this level is pretty bloody cool!
"There has been ongoing support from Sean and Vanessa from DGW for a number of years now. Whether it be through sponsoring events, fundraisers or just providing an extra media channel to share important news, I cannot thank them enough for always being there to help me and pick up the phone for a chat." - Aaron Moreton
Help Send the Sugar Gliders to China!
This talented group is self-funding their entire journey. Flights, uniforms, training camps it all comes from their own pockets. Your donation directly helps cover international flights, fund crucial training camps, and provide official team uniforms and gear.
When the Sugar Gliders step onto the course in Chengdu, they carry more than just discs, they carry your support and Aussie pride!
Don't Miss a Single Throw
Watch Live: live.theworldgames.org
Disc Golf Specific: live.theworldgames.org/sports/flying-disc
Mobile Apps:
• Apple Store: https://tinyurl.com/twgapple
• Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/twgplay
Cost: Completely FREE including live action, highlights, and full replays
The best part? You can watch every throw for free! The World Games Live streaming platform will bring all the action directly to fans around the world from August 7-17.
Cheering From Perth
The World Games run from August 7-17, with disc golf competition taking place August 8-10. We'll be cheering loud from Perth as Aaron and the Sugar Gliders take on the world's best in Chengdu. This is our moment Australian disc golf on the biggest stage it's seen in nearly a quarter-century.
Shop Innova - Aaron's Choice 🥏
Want to show your support? Share this story, follow Team Australia's journey on the World Games Live platform, and if you're feeling inspired to get out there yourself, maybe grab some new discs. Every throw you practice is part of growing this amazing sport that our mates are representing on the world stage.
The team is also supported by sponsors Revo Fitness and Be Ultimate, plus everyone who contributed to their GoFundMe campaign. It's a true community effort, just like disc golf should be.
Here's to making history! The entire Australian disc golf community is behind the Sugar Gliders! 🇦🇺
Sean & Vanessa
Disc Golf Warehouse 🥏