Fifteen teams took to the links at Alberni Golf Course on July 24 for the annual Tlu-piich Games Fundraising Tournament.
This was the sixth year that the NTC has held the event, according to tournament organizer Marissa Bennett.
This is her third year as the organizer, and every year it just gets more fun, she said. “This is basically where all the money comes from to support the Tlu-piich Games. It helps us bring in sports clinics, bring coaches in and help pay for the facilities and insurance.”
Last year, an estimated 2,000 people attended the Games, either as athletes, spectators or support workers, Bennett said. Many of the teams that competed on Friday have been on board since the first tournament, she noted.
The golfers teed off at 1 p.m. in a shotgun start, with teams posted at holes 1 through 10.
The tournament features a Best Ball format: each player drives off the tee, then the team captain then selects the ball with the best lie, and all team members take their next shot from there. The process is repeated until the ball is in the cup.
The Best Ball format makes for some impressive team scores. Team Haahuupayak eventually captured the Top Score prize with a 59.
Following the round, players and guests gathered in the club restaurant for a banquet featuring steaks off the grill. All had a chance to browse an impressive table of silent and live auction swag donated by Tlu-piich Games sponsors.
There was plenty of donated artwork available from well-known artists like Pat Amos, Joshua Prescott, Ray Sim and Vince Smith, as well as merchandise and services donated by corporate sponsors like Tigh-Na-Mara and the Probyn Group. A pretty amazing haul on such short notice, Bennett said.
“This year we only had three weeks to pull it all together,” she said. “Three weeks ago, we sent out all the registration forms. Our Tlu-piich Department worked at full speed, and they were able to gather everything here that’s been donated.”
Emcee Martin Watts was unable to attend the tournament itself, so, armed only with a list of prizewinners and auction items, he simply made it up as he went along. The quick-witted emcee livened up his opening by auctioning off first crack at the buffet. The New Relationship Trust Team earned the honours with a bid of $100.
Former NTC president Wickanninish Cliff Atleo Sr offered an opening prayer in Nuu-chah-nulth, “on behalf of our young people who come together in sports and games.” He included a prayer for the safety of the guests, some of whom travelled some distance to attend.
Taking back the mike as the NRT team filed up to the buffet, Emcee Watts reminded his audience that this was indeed a fundraiser. “Marissa – can you get that hundred dollars?” he quipped.
Watts also recognized the three levels of sponsors, Gold, Silver and Bronze, who donated merchandise and services.
“On behalf of the children, on behalf of Tlu-Piich, Kleco, Kleco.”
NTC vice-president Wameesh Ken Watts, who competed with Team NRT, welcomed guests into the traditional territories of Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations.
“And I’d like to give a shout-out to our staff, who put in a ton of time and effort in today as well as for the Games that are coming up.
“As I’ve mentioned before, all of our profits today go towards our kids and our Games. It’s all about our kids – that’s why we came here today.”
In thanking the sponsors for their generous donations, he also noted that guests would be able to pay by credit card. That announcement drew a few quiet cheers from those eying some of the larger items.
Jeff David took the men’s Closest to the Hole prize, while Leah Wildon took the women’s prize. Bruce McIntosh won Longest Drive with an impressive 280-yard tee shot.
While the clock ticked down on the Silent Auction, Martin Watts and his team opened up the Live Auction, with items ranging from a live lime tree (with a six-pack of Corona Beer) to a Canucks package of two game tickets and two nights accommodation donated by the Probyn Group. That one was snapped up for a bid of $600.
Following the completion of the auctions Bennett called on guests to consider donating their time as well as their money.
“We’re looking for volunteers to come out for the Games on August 11 through 16,” she said. People are needed for a wide range of tasks both on and off the playing field.
“Volunteers are really the driving force of the Tlu-piich Games,” she said.
