The ϲʹ President’s Cup Scholarship Tournament, held on August 22, 2024, at the picturesque Dakota Dunes Golf Links, was a resounding success, bringing together community leaders, sponsors, and golf enthusiasts for a day of competition and camaraderie, all in support of scholarships for First Nations students. Hosted by University Relations VP Gord Hunchak’s team and staff volunteers, the event saw over 38 teams registered, highlighting the strong community support for Indigenous education.
The day began with an inspiring start as Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President of ϲʹ, delivered the opening remarks during the ceremony at 10:45 AM. Her words set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of education and the impact of the scholarships funded by the tournament.
Following the opening ceremony, the tournament’s shotgun start at 11 AM signaled the beginning of a spirited day on the greens. Throughout the day, participants enjoyed not only the challenges of the course but also various fundraising activities. The 50/50 Raffle and raffle prize draws were particularly popular, with tickets sold throughout the day. Volunteers were instrumental in managing these sales, along with other fundraising efforts like mulligans and putting strings, contributing significantly to the tournament’s fundraising success.
The day concluded with a networking and social hour at 5 PM, providing an opportunity for participants to relax and share stories from the day’s play. The evening banquet, held at 6 PM, was a highlight, featuring a delicious meal and the much-anticipated awards ceremony. Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann also delivered a heartfelt speech during the banquet, further emphasizing the importance of supporting Indigenous education and the role of the tournament in providing scholarships for deserving students.
ϲʹ staff member Natalie Langan, who served as the Master of Ceremonies, skillfully guided the evening’s proceedings, announcing the winners of the tournament and special acknowledgments. Photos of the winners were taken in front of the media wall, capturing the joy and pride of the day’s achievements.
The success of the ϲʹ President’s Cup Scholarship Tournament was a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from the organizers and volunteers to the participants and sponsors. As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment and community, with all funds raised going towards scholarships that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of First Nations students. The amounts raised will be announced soon.
The ϲʹ President’s Cup Scholarship Tournament has once again demonstrated the power of community and the impact of collective efforts in supporting education and opportunity for Indigenous students.