Game for KidSport

Rotary clubs host second annual ultimate tournament

By Eric Wilkins, Sports Editor

Are you a fan of ultimate? Do you enjoy munching on field food? Is the thought of helping out a good cause not completely abhorrent to you? If your answers to the previous questions are generally of a positive nature, then the New Westminster Rotaract Club has the tournament for you. The Rotaract (18-to-30-year-old division) and Interact (12-to-18-year-old division) clubs, under Rotary International’s umbrella, are putting on their second annual ultimate tournament on May 10 to raise funds for KidSport New West.

“It was a rainy day, so we didn’t have a lot of spectators, but we got a ton of [sporting] equipment; they were taking it out in truckloads at the end,” said Rotaract secretary Corrigan Goodwin on the success of last year’s affair.

With fingers crossed for good weather to allow for spectators to come out this time around, Goodwin fully expects the event to outdo its predecessor: “We’ve been more active in getting teams registered and talking to different groups… we’re expecting to be raising more in donations while still getting that much equipment as well.”

While the theme this year is “Engage youth, change lives,” fellow Rotaract member Christian Bernad stressed that the tournament is for more than just youth. “We’re not just limited to high school students—we’re also encouraging university students or even just those looking to play recreationally.”

On that note, the five-on-five tournament will feature three divisions—university, high school, and recreational—as opposed to last year’s two divisions of competitive and recreational.

In addition to the ultimate being played, Goodwin commented that there would be some additional entertainment for both the teams involved and those who come out to watch. “The Interact group we’re working with this year is really great; they’ve got this halftime show they’re going to plan.”

Bernad also hinted that there might be a dance-off involved. Possible skills competitions and a “fun booth” are also in the works and promise to add to the event.

There is also no shortage of sponsors, providing everything from prizes to advertising and food for the tournament. “We’d like to thank the Record, Tim Hortons, G&F Financial Group, Save-On-Foods, Westkey, and KidSport,” said Bernad.

“They’ve been great,” added Goodwin.

As a final note, Bernad said, “Get involved. Join the Rotaract or Interact club. It really feels good to be supporting charitable organizations and [giving] back to the community.”

For more information or to register, visit www.rotaract5040.org/newwest or www.newwestrotary.ca