For the second year in a row, the weather cooperated to assure that the Oujé-Bougoumou Golf Tournament was a resounding success said Nick Paradisis, OJ’s Chief Executive Financial Officer.
It was a hot and sunny day on Friday July 14, the day when more than 200 participants turned out for the Ouje-Bougoumou Golf Tournament. Everyone said they enjoyed a great day of golfing at Chibougamau’s nine hole golf club. In all there were 48 teams (foursomes) that played that day.
The tournament was to raise funds for the Ouje-Bougoumou Youth Centre and the response of both the sponsors and the participants was very positive and enthusiastic according to Paradisis.
The main organizers from Oujé-Bougoumou, Curtis Bosum, Randy Bosum and Steve Mianscum, had spent what they called a frantic week to make sure everything was ready for the big day. They said the Youth Centre provided volunteers. As a result, the there were only minor delays in the tee off times. Indian time seems to be getting a little more punctual these days and it showed during the tournament.
Organizer Randy Bosum said, “It is with great pleasure to inform the Cree Nation of the very successful conclusion of our second golf event. Participation far exceeded our expectations. We’re thrilled to have a total of 192 golf players. The supper was great and the wide range of participation prizes added a very positive note to end this memorable event. The purpose of this event was to approach and explore new routes of fundraising for youth and Elder community events. This year, we raised over $20,000.”
The tournament last year raised $15,000 so the latest figures shows the tournament is growing in popularity.
There were foursomes that played throughout the day and there were chipping contests as well as a putting contest, longest drive contest and closest to the hole contests to encourage the players. Two brand new automobiles were offered on the very elusive hole-in-one contest.
The dinner emcee was Gaston Cooper and entertainment was provided by a youth group from Oujé-Bougoumou and an excellent set of songs with Pascal Ottawa from Manouan. The grand prize of an all expenses paid trip for two for a week at a Cuban resort was won by a resident of Chibougamau. Participation prizes ensured almost everyone was a winner.
Comments on the events of the day and the evening from both local participants and visitors from out of town were overwhelmingly positive and business cards were handed out during the dinner renewing the rendezvous for the same date next year. There was a lot of networking as well as fundraising.
“On behalf of the organizing committee, we like to thank all sponsors and participants for their support and encouragement in achieving the objectives of this initiative and we’re definitely looking forward in organizing this event again next year,” said Randy Bosum.
