Preparations for the 20th annual McMurray Métis Infinity Golf Tournament are underway.
Funds raised before and during the event support the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Local 1935’s bursary program.
Event co-founder and McMurray Métis director Kelly Myers remains involved with the tourney.
About 20 years ago, financial support from the federal government aided First Nations students.
Myers said funds from the Infinity Golf Tournament would support bursaries for Métis graduates.
Myers said the MNA only finalized an agreement with the government of Canada in 2018 to support Métis students in post-secondary education.
“We felt long before then that providing support for continuing their education was important, and that was one of the reasons for the driving force behind hosting this golf tournament.”
Talks between the MNA and the federal government on certain details continue.
Making a difference
Over the last 19 years, McMurray Métis raised over $1.2-million in bursary money to aid more than 400 students.
Myers said the program supported doctors, nurses, and teachers, as well as students in business, arts, engineering, general studies, and the trades.
She added she believes the program makes a difference for Métis youth.
“I quite often get pulled aside from present and past recipients how much the support helped them relieve some of the stresses pursuing post-secondary education.”
Last year, the event raised a single-year record of $165,500.
RELATED: 19th Annual Infinity Golf Tournament raises over $165K for Métis students
Speaking at the 2019 event, President Gail Gallupe said McMurray Métis recognized a record 152 Indigenous graduating students.
“Those young adults are all looking for further post-secondary education and turn to programs like the McMurray Métis bursary program. We want to thank all of our sponsors and donors for making this year’s Infinity Golf Tournament a huge success.”
The goal for the 2020 Infinity Golf Tournament is to accommodate 144 golfers.
At the time of publication, Myers said they are at 80 per cent capacity, but sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Miskanaw Golf Course on MacDonald Island is the venue for this year’s event.
Miskanaw provided a list of public health measures currently in place at the clubhouse and on the golf course.
Sponsors, golfers and volunteers may register with the McMurray Métis at (780) 743-2659.
The golf tournament begins on Aug. 20, 2020, at 1:00 p.m.
