BOC-CREECO’s first golf tournament was a swinging success

The 18-hole course at Val-d’Or’s Club de Golf Belvédère came to life June 20 as the first-ever Board of Compensation and CREECO Golf Classic teed off to great success. Over 140 golfers from the Cree business world and beyond took to the course for golf, long-drive contests, putting competitions and more.

“Our tournament was at capacity and the golf course was packed with enthusiastic golfers who were ready to play and have fun,” said Darlene Cheechoo, Chairperson and President of BOC & CREECO. “The weather cooperated and was not too hot, not too cold. And though it rained in the morning, it was nice for the rest of the day.”

With the help of the tournament’s sponsors and participants, organizers hoped to raise $25,000 to be put towards youth initiatives in the Cree Nation.

“The accounting is still being finalized, but we’re very close to our goal,” said CREECO Marketing Director Christian Sinclair. “We will be working with the Regional Youth Council to determine where we will allocate the proceeds.”

Among the participants golfing that day was special guest Stéphane Richer, a former Montreal Canadien who played on the Stanley Cup-winning Habs squad in 1986. Richer moved around the course throughout the day to tee off with each team. However, the importance of Richer’s presence went beyond swinging clubs and sharing laughs on the fairway.

“Mr Richer was our keynote speaker and gave a very powerful speech regarding his personal experiences and the struggles he encountered in his life,” said Cheechoo. “He admitted to our guests that he struggled with suicidal thoughts and did attempt on one occasion. His message, though serious, was motivating in the sense that we can overcome and we should address such important issues. I think as a Nation and as individuals, we are struggling with the same issues as Mr Richer. He had the strength to share his story with us which should remove some of the stigma of sharing before it is too late.”

As the day wound down, a banquet supper of meeshweh was held and winners for a prize draw and silent auction were announced. Casey Lee Mianscum nabbed the top prize of a trip for two to Disneyland, sponsored by Pash Travel.

“All in all it proved to be a major success, and more importantly we’re looking forward to contribute to important youth initiatives that will have a positive impact on the Cree Nation,” said Sinclair, noting the high percentage of young golfers on the course and the participation of Youth Grand Chief Joshua Iserhoff.

The tournament’s success in 2013 is something that BOC-CREECO hopes to improve on next year.

“Since the response was so great and since it is to raise money for worthy causes, we are planning to hold our tournament again,” said Cheechoo. “In fact, we reserved the golf course for June 19, 2014 so keep your calendars free for that day.”

The organizers wish to thank all the volunteers, participant, and sponsors for being a part of this year’s Golf Classic, and look forward to the event’s success in the coming years.