After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, the Mayor’s Golf Challenge made its triumphant return to Collingwood in June to celebrate the event’s 25th anniversary. The tournament brings the community together, promoting local businesses and raising funds for local charities.
This year, the Mayor’s Golf Challenge raised $26,680 through ticket sales and raffle tickets. Of that, 70% of the proceeds will go to the Collingwood and Area Special Olympics, and 30% will go to the town’s Community Recreation and Culture Grants (CRCG) program, which helps fund local non-profit and charitable community projects and initiatives.
The tournament was held at Blue Mountain Golf & Country Club and attracted 144 golfers, filling up the registration slots entirely. A $250 fee for each participating golfer included not just their game and golf cart, but also a continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The fundraiser was a success due to the support of golfers, volunteers, and dinner guests, as well as the many local businesses who sponsored the event.
After the COVID-19 pandemic put the event on hold for several years, guests were able to return to a day of friendly competition and connection for a worthy cause. The funds benefiting organizations that are local to Collingwood is particularly meaningful to the community.
The Collingwood and Area Special Olympics are a chapter of Special Olympics Ontario, and consist of a variety of sporting events, including basketball, swimming, soccer, football, skiing, curling, and more. The participating athletes compete at the regional level and may advance to provincial or national games. The 70% portion of the funds raised from the Mayor’s Golf Challenge will help support these local Special Olympics athletes and programming.
Meanwhile, the Community Recreation and Culture Grants program will receive the remaining 30% of funds raised, and will help Collingwood-based, not-for-profit organizations support their community by providing opportunities for individuals to participate in activities related to the arts, culture, recreation, sport, and health/well-being.
