Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

KBIA

Kamloops Brain Injury Association moves annual Gur Singh Golf Tourney online

May 4, 2020 | 4:28 PM

KAMLOOPS — Sports, concerts, movies, and fundraisers; popular events have been walloped by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while many spring and summer events have been cancelled, some scheduled for later in the year are going to give it a go, albeit in a modified setting.

One of those is the Gur Singh Memorial Golf Tournament in Support of the Kamloops Brain Injury Association, which has gone online to ensure that organization can continue the vital work it does in the community.

Mike MacLeod sunk a hole in one at the 2018 Gur Singh Memorial Golf Tourney. He won a brand new car.

It’s unlikely he’ll get to repeat that feat this year – mostly because the annual fundraiser for the Kamloops Brain Injury Association has moved from the links to online.

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“It’s disappointing that we can’t all be together to be a part of it as we would normally do,” MacLeod says. “It’s a unique way to keep the connection going, keep awareness of the KBIA. Obviously, I think that’s the most critical thing.”

Instead of bringing the clubs to the Dunes this year, the KBIA has decided to utilize technology to create a new way to play the tournament.

“We’re starting an online country club – the Kamloops Brain Injury Country club – to have a specific golf tournament,” KBIA Executive Director Dave Johnson explains. “We’re going to compete against each other. There’s going to be some prizes for the best golfers. You’ll sign up online, but you’ll get to stay home and be with the ones you love and also be really safe.”

The annual tournament is named after Dr. Gur Singh, a Neurosurgeon and Philanthropist, who started the event back in 2004.

Johnson says the association will use the free online World Golf Tour game to host the tournament, which will allow players to play in foursomes together, but from home. The funds raised from the event sustain the KBIA throughout the year and ensure they’re able to help people in Kamloops who’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury.

“This is our biggest fundraiser,” Johnson says. “Selling the raffle tickets and having people come and golf, online or in-person (and we hope it’s in person next year), it critical to keeping the lights on.”

Johnson suggests keeping an eye on the association’s website for registration and raffle ticket sales.

“If you do want to help out, we’ve got some online raffle tickets and sponsors,” Johnson says. “We’re calling it the ‘Better Days’ raffle because better days are coming.”

On the fairways or online, MacLeod says it’s a great way to support the KBIA, and have some fun at the same time.

“Given the time of year, it’s kind of at the tail end of the summer, and a lot of people have played different golf events,” MacLeod says. “[The Gur Singh] is really a great way to wrap up the summer.”