More than 120 people recently hit the fairways at Coyote Creek Golf and RV Resort to support sporting opportunities for youth.
The third annual Play 4 Sundre Kidz tournament, which was held Saturday, July 13, had room for 36, four-player teams and came just shy of filling up to capacity with 31 groups getting involved, said Chris Vardas, one of the organizers.
“We were pretty close to a sellout,” said Vardas.
This year’s main winners were Dale Aldrich, Tyler Mahan, Dallas Rosevear and Guy Mortensen, who came in first, and Bob Fahey, Cody Fahey, Kevin Cameron and Brian Hobson, who placed second. Best dressed team went to Jason and Corrie Martyn and Chris and Malinda McBurney.
Originally launched in 2017, the event raises funds to help lift financial barriers and open doors for children who want to play a sport.
“It’s been doing well,” said Vardas about the program, adding more than $20,000 has since then been distributed by the committee that considers applications. That roughly translates to more than 40 kids receiving help, he said.
Vardas expressed appreciation for all of the participants, sponsors and volunteers who got involved.
“If it wasn’t for them, it wouldn’t be the success it’s becoming,” he said.
Families interested in applying can go through whichever sporting organization they’re dealing with, while anybody who knows someone that could benefit can also recommend potential recipients, he said.
“Anybody can apply as long as they go to school in Sundre,” said Nicky Vardas.
“We do a fall registration and a spring registration,” she said.
The committee also makes application forms available to local sporting organizations, while anyone who is seeking additional information or might be interested in submitting inquiries can visit the group’s social media page by doing an internet search for Play 4 Sundre Kidz, she said.
