INNISFAIL – The Innisfail and District Horseshoe Club pushed past adversity last weekend to pull off a successful special annual open tournament for 2017 to honour the local legion and Canada's 150th birthday.
On the morning of the tourney's first day (May 27), Myrna Kissick, the club's longtime Canadian Hall of Fame member and tournament organizer, fell ill and was transported to Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. She was later moved to the Innisfail Health Centre.
“She fell ill early on Saturday morning and was unable to be with us for the two days,” said Stuart Little, an executive member of the club. “She seems to be recovering nicely.”
Little said the tourney went ahead with “excellent” volunteer help, which was boosted by the good weather conditions on the weekend.
The tournament began with members of the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion conducting the opening ceremonies, with legion president Ed Rieberger throwing out the opening horseshoe.
“The legion has been very good to us and we thought we would dedicate this to the legion, and of course it is Canada's 150th birthday and we thought we would celebrate that as well,” said Little.
Don Harrison, the legion's manager, said his organization was proud to be affiliated with this year's tournament and donated $200 to the event.
“From the legion we really thank Myrna and her group and her volunteers and the people who came out to participate,” said Harrison.
Meanwhile, the tournament attracted 20 participants from across the province on May 27, and another 12 the following day.
Little said there are normally 30 participants from around the province but there was competition last weekend with other seniors' events. There were five events held on Saturday with another three on Sunday.
The list of winners in the singles competition on May 27th, who each received a small cash prize, were:
Mixed A Class:
Matt Coninx (Olds)
Mixed B Class:
Emvie Antonio (Calgary)
Mixed C Class:
Scotty Miller (Calgary)
Mixed D Class:
Louis Brousseau (Calgary)
Mixed E Class:
Esther Hoerle (Innisfail)
On Sunday there was singles competition in three classes. The winners were:
Mixed A Class:
Lyle Ohmstead (Lethbridge)
Mixed B Class:
Stuart Little (Innisfail)
Mixed C Class:
Con Taks (Innisfail)
Stuart Little, executive member of the Innisfail and District Horseshoe Club
"The legion has been very good to us and we thought we would dedicate this to the legion, and of course it is Canada's 150th birthday and we thought we would celebrate that as well."
