Last month, a group of young women in the Tri-Cities field hockey community set out to raise $3,500 for the BC Cancer Foundation through the 4th Annual Field Hockey Game for the Cure. Following the event on Sunday, this group has exceeded their goal – raising over $4,100!
Despite torrential rain throughout the match in Coquitlam, the community was out in full force to support the Game for the Cure and watch some exciting field hockey. This year, the Tri-City Eagles Field Hockey Club Senior Women’s Team defeated the local High School Select “All-Stars” Team in a 2 – 1 victory.
The Canadian Women’s National Team also braved the downpours to show their support. Recent retiree Tyla Flexman was the co-emcee for the event along with event organizer Samantha McILwrick. Team Canada’s Thea Culley, Kate Thompson, Kaitlyn Williams and Stephanie Gardiner also attended the event and participated in an exciting skills demonstration using a radar gun to clock the speed of their powerful hits.
“The impact of having the National Team members at the event was immeasurable,” says McILwrick. “So many people look up to these players as mentors – they are truly wonderful ambassadors.”
The inspiration goes both ways.
“Despite being very rainy, the game and fundraiser was a huge success,” says Flexman. “It is truly inspiring to see Samantha continue this legacy, vision and idea year after year. We were definitely impressed with the event and honoured we could attend.”
Throughout the match, numerous prizes were awarded to spectators, players and parents. The loot included Team Canada jerseys signed by the Women’s National Team and top notch field hockey sticks, shirts and hoodies.
“We would like to thank our awesome sponsors including Total Field Hockey, the Field Hockey Shack, Tri-City Eagles Field Hockey Club, Future Shop, Starbucks, Field Hockey BC and Field Hockey Canada,” says McILwrick. “Thank you for your generous support.”
Following the huge success of this year’s Game for the Cure, McILwrick is already looking forward to 2013. They hope to build on the legacy of this annual community event: raising funds for the BC Cancer Foundation and promoting the sport of field hockey as they seek community partners. Since the inaugural Tri-Cities event in 2009, over $14,000 has been raised by the Game for the Cure, and there are no signs of slowing down.
Did you miss the event? Don’t worry – you can continue to support this year’s fundraising efforts until December 1st. Click here to support the BC Cancer Foundation for cancer research.
