We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of EUF’s former Treasurer and Vice President, Ted Beute
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the sudden and unexpected passing of Ted Beute on 16th January, 2026, at the age of 59. Ted was the former Treasurer and Vice President of the EUF.
The following was published by EUF (the full story can be found here):
Ted served as Treasurer and Vice President of the EUF from the very beginning of the federation in 2009 until 2024. From 2024 onward, he was an active member of the Spirit of the Game Committee. Throughout this period, he was fundamental to the growth of our federation and to the development of European Ultimate as a whole.
Ted was deeply in love with Ultimate and with the Spirit of the Game, a passion that guided his actions throughout his entire life.
He loved to get to know new people, sharing experiences, and speaking with them in their own language – often surprising everyone with yet-another-language he could speak. Thanks to his exceptional socio-emotional and communication skills, he was able to connect with a vast number of people. This helped build the network that today forms the foundation of the Ultimate community in Europe.
Ted was a pioneer in many respects. He was the driving force behind the creation of the European Ultimate Indoor Championship and the definition of standard indoor Ultimate rules for Europe. He strongly believed in gender equity and authored the first version of the EUF transgender policy.
Andrea “Oddi” Furlan, President of the EUF, expressed the federation’s grief: “Ted was one of my oldest friends. I got to know him in 2007, and we immediately realised that we shared the same dream: to grow the community and bring the values of the Spirit of the Game to more and more people. Together, we founded the EUF and, while through the years people on the board changed, we remained constant within the organisation. Side by side, we found ways to bring people together, organised championships, created new competition formats, and gave space to new generations of Ultimate players to grow in an environment based on inclusivity, joy of playing, and Spirit of the Game.
He was one of those people who gave much more than one could ever get back. A role model, a mentor, and a friend to many of us. The news of his death spread extremely quickly, and the reactions show how important he was and how deeply he was loved by the community for all his deeds.
On behalf of the EUF, I express our deepest condolences to his wife, his family, and his friends. We will all profoundly feel his absence, but his legacy will continue to inspire Ultimate players to perform at their best while showing the very best Spirit.”
Founding board member, Alia Ayub, on hearing of Ted’s passing shared, “Like everyone, I could hardly fathom the news of Ted’s passing. It feels important to share that Ted truly embodied the Spirit of the Game and a deep commitment to gender equity. He stood by me when I first explored the path toward creating the EUF as an Ultimate-specific organisation, and in the face of significant pushback, his unwavering support was essential in allowing that vision to move forward. You were a pioneer Ted, thank you for all that you poured into our community!”
The EUF, the Dutch Flying Disc Federation and the organising committee of the European Ultimate Indoor Championship 2026 in Amsterdam – where Ted was the Tournament Director – will honour his memory and provide opportunities for participants to express their grief during special moments during the competition.
