STAAL FOUNDATION OPEN PRESENTED BY TBAYTEL YELLS ‘FOUR’

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The Staal Brothers and family with Bobby Orr
The Staal Brothers and family with Bobby Orr
The Staal Brothers and family with Bobby Orr
The Staal Brothers and family with Bobby Orr

#4 Bobby Orr Will Be Back for 2017 Staal Foundation Open

THUNDER BAY, ON – SPORT — Today representatives from the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel said thank you to over 500 volunteers and caddies that continue to contribute to the tournament’s success year after year. For National Volunteer Month, the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel recognized long-standing volunteers and a caddie that all share special stories about their involvement with the summer event.

Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel is fuelled by the great effort of hundreds of volunteers
Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel is fuelled by the great effort of hundreds of volunteers

“Being inside the ropes brings you closer to the game and the players. As an avid golfer I am intimately aware of how tough golf is. Because of my experience as a Caddie, I’ve learned how to approach each shot differently, and how to move past a bad shot by looking to the next with confidence. I also really enjoyed spending time with the pros, listening to their experiences in golf and in life as a pro golfer,” explains Michelle McKitrick, a Caddie who has been a part of the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel, since the very beginning.

Kim Bryan, Dave McEwan and Walter Warywoda were also recognized for their volunteer contributions and work. “Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel, They are our MVP’, giving their time and energy over the weeklong event to ensure it runs smoothly and is a true success. We couldn’t do it without their efforts and the Staal Family and everyone involved appreciates all of the volunteer contributions. Last year alone, volunteers contributed 14,000 hours of time to the tournament,” says Volunteer Coordinator, Gloria Sherban.

With the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel returning for its fourth playing this summer, tournament representatives also made an exciting announcement with the help of 11-year-old Kiki Paterson. Unveiling a picture from last year’s event featuring a moment she exchanged with NHL hockey hall of famer Bobby Orr, Paterson announced that the “Great Number Four” will be in attendance at the 2017 tournament. Paterson had the opportunity of a lifetime at last year’s Summer Classic, being coached by Orr.

“The Staal Foundation Open is an annual event that I am happy to both participate in and endorse.  Everyone associated with this tournament and fund raising initiative is to be congratulated for their outstanding efforts, with a special tip of the cap to the entire Staal family for their leadership and support. I am looking forward to another visit to Whitewater Golf Club in July,“ says Bobby Orr.

“Not many people can say that Bobby Orr was their coach for the most epic road hockey game ever played. It was the best day. My friends are still talking about it and I am so excited that he is coming back along with other hockey celebrities,” says Paterson.

Volunteer and caddie registration is now officially open for the 2017 tournament. Those that sign up to volunteer before May 4th, 2017, will be entered into a contest to win autographed Bobby Orr memorabilia and a 2016 official Summer Classic jersey autographed by all four Staal brothers.

Sign up at www.staalopen.ca

Janzen’s will be continuing its support as the 2017 Volunteer Sponsor. “Janzen’s is always proud to support volunteers. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Volunteers have a great impact on the health and well-being of Thunder Bay and today we are happy to celebrate the many volunteers that contribute to the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel as well as Janzen’s involvement with this year’s event,” says Janzen’s Pharmacy Owner and Pharmacist, Brenda Adams.

The biggest demand for volunteers is for Scoring, Marshalls, Spotters and event setup.  Other  volunteer opportunities include hospitality, guest relations, and volunteer services. The event also  needs approximately 80 caddies. Familiarity with golf is not a prerequisite. To register please visit: staalopen.ca

The 2017 Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel is being hosted at Whitewater Golf Club from July 10th to July 16th. Over the last three years, volunteers, the community and organizers have helped drive the star-studded tournament, raising over a half a million dollars for kids and families  battling cancer in Northwestern Ontario.

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