The Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Memorial Foundation is preparing for the 11th annual Kimmett Cup, a three-on-three pond hockey tournament with proceeds going toward The Children’s Wish Foundation and the Children’s Cottage Society.
The event will kick off Friday at Mitford Ponds and Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, where the charity tournament welcomes players of any skill level, with divisions ranging from the fun league to competitive, and includes both men and women. The weekend-long event is known for its community involvement, including 52 teams, more than 650 players, 100 volunteers and hundreds of spectators and community members in attendance.
The weekend includes games on Friday evening and Saturday throughout the day, followed by a banquet including a live auction. A silent auction is set up throughout the day at the Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Centre as well as at the banquet.
Tournament co-chair Jason Baserman said there are a few highlights involved with this year's version of the tournament.
"Our online fundraising page is just shy of $70,000 which is equivalent to seven wishes, which is just awesome," Baserman said. "There is still time to create, share and promote the page through our website at www.kimmettcup.com."
"We have a total of 52 teams competing in the tournament on Friday and Saturday with another 12 teams from Cochrane Minor Hockey playing on Sunday competing for the Spirit Bear Award - a tournament in memory of Dr. Greg Roberts, who was one of Lindsay's classmates and passed away after a courageous battle with cancer."
"All are welcome to cheer on their favourite teams and join us on Saturday night at the Lions Event Center for food, live music, live and silent auctions, prize raffles and more. The formal program begins at 6:30 with a happy hour special from noon to 4 p.m. If someone purchases 10 drink tickets you get a free pizza as well."
Baserman also said there are a few new items being added to the tournament in order to make the experience that much more enjoyable for those who attend.
"New this year, Half Hitch is hosting a beer garden beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday night and again between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday at Mitford Ponds which we're really excited for," said Baserman.
"We're also very fortunate to be joined by 10 wish kids and their families as well as members of the Children's Cottage Society as we celebrate the amazing work both these charities do to raise the spirits and lives in our community."
With frigid temperatures expected throughout the duration of the weekend, Baserman said the committee has done its due diligence to make sure they've taken the steps to ensure people will stay warm.
"We will make sure all player tents are heated and many of the teams will play one game indoors at Spray Lakes and our portable restrooms courtesy of Mr. P Potty will be warmed too," said Baserman.
"In addition we will have hot chocolate and coffee from our friends at Tim Hortons to keep our hands warm and the spirit of our wish families, Lindsay's legacy and all those we are paying tribute too will help keep our hearts full and warm."
The schedule may change due to weather so teams are encouraged to visit the website at www.kimmettcup.com or visit their facebook page at www.facebook.com/kimmettcup.
