16th Annual ALS Golf Tournament of Hope Triumphs Despite Rainy Weather

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16th Annual ALS Golf Tournament of Hope Triumphs Despite Rainy Weather
Kamloops, BC – August 22, 2024: The 16th Annual ALS Golf Tournament of Hope, presented by the ALS Society of BC, successfully took place on Friday, August 16th, 2024, at the picturesque Rivershore Estates & Golf Links. Nestled in the desert-like setting at the foot of sagebrush-covered hills along the majestic South Thompson River, the venue provided a stunning backdrop for a day filled with friendly competition, camaraderie, and charitable giving, making it a memorable experience for all.
Since its inception in 2009, the ALS Golf Tournament of Hope has supported those affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in British Columbia and the Yukon. Initiated by volunteers from Kamloops, the tournament raised over $40,000.00 this year and close to $715,000.00 to date. These funds are vital in supporting the ALS Society of BC’s Programs and Services, which are instrumental in improving the lives of more than 450 individuals living with ALS and their families and caregivers. Additionally, 30% of the proceeds are directed to the Kamloops Endowed Fund, which provides advanced communication aids to people with ALS in collaboration with Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA).
Setting a festive tone to the day began with participants gathering in the clubhouse for a pancake breakfast with mimosas. At 10:15 a.m., the course came alive as a parade of choreographed powered carts set off, signalling the start of the 18-hole Texas Scramble tournament. Despite the early morning showers and overcast skies, the tournament’s spirit remained undampened. Over 140 golfers, supported by 17 dedicated volunteers, and others, braved the weather with determination, enjoying a full day on the course that culminated in lively post-round celebrations.
The rain subsided just in time for dinner, where attendees were treated to a lively happy hour and an awards ceremony. Prizes were awarded to top teams and winners of live and silent auctions. The much-anticipated WestJet raffle winners were also announced, adding to the excitement of the evening.
We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of many outstanding sponsors, many of whom have generously contributed to the tournament for years. In addition to expressing our deepest gratitude to General Manager Kevin Oates and his exceptional team at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links, we would like to acknowledge our presenting sponsors: Ocean Trailer, WestJet, and CFJC TV. We invite everyone to visit our website to see the complete list of sponsors and to learn more about the tournament.
The ALS Society of BC is profoundly grateful to the entire community that participated—golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and organizations. Your collective effort, support, dedication, and generosity have made a significant difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. We thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts!
Mark your calendars! The 17th Annual ALS Golf Tournament of Hope is already in the works and scheduled for Friday, August 15th, 2025, at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links. We can’t wait to see you there! For those interested in participating, volunteering, sponsoring, or donating, please get in touch with Donald Miyazaki, Executive Director of the ALS Society of BC, at (604) 278-2257 or via email at [email protected].
For more information, please contact:
Navin Autar
Communications and Social Media Coordinator
ALS Society of British Columbia
Phone: 1-800-708-3228 Ext. 231
Email: [email protected]
WHAT IS ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects the person’s motor neurons that carry messages to the muscles resulting in weakness and wasting in arms, legs, mouth, throat and elsewhere. Typically, the person is immobilized within two to five years of the initial diagnosis. There is no known cause or cure yet, but there is hope through the ALS Society of BC.
ABOUT ALS SOCIETY OF BC
The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of British Columbia (ALS BC) was founded in 1981 by Dr. Andrew Eisen, ALS patients, and their families to address the physical and emotional needs of people living with ALS, their families, and caregivers. The Society’s mission is to cure ALS by funding research while advocating for and supporting those affected.
ABOUT PROJECT HOPE
Under the leadership of neurologist and ALS researcher Dr. Erik Pioro, PROJECT HOPE emerges in 2024 as a pioneering initiative with a bold and visionary agenda for the next 3-5 years. Our mission is to ignite a beacon of hope for everyone touched by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)—from patients and their families to caregivers, clinicians, specialists, researchers, and beyond. At the heart of our efforts are the individuals bravely facing ALS, to whom we dedicate our unwavering commitment to making a significant difference.
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