The first annual George Reed Golf Tournament for Special Olympics Saskatchewan was held Monday at the prestigious Wascana Golf and Country Club, and by all accounts was a huge success. The tournament received almost a full page of coverage with a story and three photographs in The Leader-Post. There also was television and radio coverage.

 

A field of 144 golfers from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Toronto hooked up with 17 celebrities on a warm, breezy and sunny Saskatchewan day to show their support for Special Olympics Saskatchewan.

 

The whole affair spanned two days. On Sunday at the Regina Inn, a reception was held at which the celebrities were auctioned off to teams that wanted to play golf with them. Monday morning, the cast of dozens began showing up at the Wascana to register, enjoy a superb barbecue and be fitted with a free brand new pair of $250 Footjoy golf shoes. Then, came the tee off at 1.30 p.m. and an afternoon of fun, enjoyment and getting to meet new friends took place.

 

The day was capped off with a banquet likely never before seen in Saskatchewan. It began with four members of the Canadian armed services, just back from their tour of duty in Afghanistan, being honoured with plaques from George Reed and I Love Regina apparel from Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco. The more than 200 people at the banquet gave the soldiers three rousing standing ovations.

 

With masters of ceremonies Greg and Jill Morgan superbly guiding the program, the banquet was entertained by a variety of people. Renowned guitarist Jack Semple played during a meal of beef tenderloin topped with grilled shrimp. Singer Rory Allen entertained throughout the program. Special Olympics singer Colby Nargang was on fire as he brought the crowd to its feet once again. And, Special Olympian Nicholas Popowich held the audience spellbound as he spoke about what Special Olympics meant to him. He also received a standing ovation.

 

Other speakers included Tournament Director and Exit Real Fusion co-owner Bob Hughes, former Saskatchewan Roughrider Matt Dominguez, an Exit Realty Fusion Realtor (r), who delivered the grace, and Exit Realty Fusion Realtor(r) Mona Crandell, who is married to former Rider quarterback Marcus Crandell, and spoke on behalf of all the celebrities.

 

Exit Realty Fusion, Regina's fastest growing real estate company, was heavily involved in making the tournament the success it was. "We knew we had to be involved in this," said Exit Eco-Broker Loretta Hughes. "Special Olympics has found a spot in everybody's heart in this province. It was a wonderful opportunity for our company, agents and front office staff to give of our time for something so vital to Saskatchewan. We are much more than a real estate company. In the two years we have been around, we have embraced so many charities and fund-raisers. We genuinely care and we love to be involved. It is so rewarding."

 

Loretta was a member of the tournament's organizing committee. She played in the tournament with a team from Oak Park Developments of Calgary, who are building condo projects in Regina that Exit Realty Fusion agents are selling a rapid pace. Oak Park was a major contributor to the great silent and live auction package that was assembled. And, Neil Braun also bid on a won a signed George Reed Roughrider sweater.

Six members of the Exit Realty Fusion team also played in the tournament - Recruiting star Sarah Kemmere, agents Matt Dominguez, Mona Crandell, Jen Dominguez, Cleveland Vann and Will Amichand.

 

Although the final figures are not yet in, it's expected the tournament raised between $35,000 and $50,000 for Special Olympics Saskatchewan.