– Mike Masaro –

On March 6, during Golf Canada’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, Adam Daifallah of Westmount, Que. was elected as the organization’s 118th President. He most recently served as vice president for consecutive terms and has been a board member since 2018.

Golf Canada sat down with Daifallah to talk about a range of topics, from his early days as a competitive golfer, where he became a provincial champion, his wide-ranging career path, what led him to join Golf Canada and eventually becoming the youngest president in the organization’s history. We also discuss his thoughts on the strength of Canadian golf and much more.

You grew up in Peterborough, Ontario…what sports or activities were you drawn towards as a child? Was golf always high on your list?

I wasn’t interested in any sports until I found golf at age 10. My parents didn’t play but my grandfather did, though wasn’t playing anymore. I sort of caught the “golf bug” channel flipping the TV one day. The Skins Game was on, and I saw Lee Trevino make a hole-in-one, then proceed to jump up and down and hug his caddie, Herman. I said to my parents that I really want to try that game! I asked them to go to the bookstore and I picked up an instructional book. It was called The Golfer’s Bible. I spent that winter in the basement copying the swing movements in the book’s photos, so that in the spring, I would be ready to play for the first time. I started that year and totally loved it.  

That is a perfect segway into my next question, you were a competitive junior golfer and won the Ontario Bantam Boys’ Championship in 1992. What are your memories from that win? Do you still have the trophy or medal?

(Laughing) Yes, I still have the trophy. I also still have the prize that the OGA (now Golf Ontario) used to give for provincial winners, which was a Tudor watch. My main memory of it was playing with [eventual PGA tour member] David Hearn and defeating him by eight shots. That was the first and last time I ever beat David! We became good friends.

Shifting gears if I may to your studies. You hold a BA with honours in history and political studies from Queen’s University, and began working as a Washington correspondent at the New York Sun. From there you joined the editorial board of the National Post and wrote two books on Canadian politics. You’ve also contributed pieces for SCOREGolf. What about the journalism world interested you to pursue that early on in your career?

I have always loved writing. I was always interested in public policy and public debate, and I saw journalism as a way to advance the ideas and the causes I believed in. I liked the idea of getting those ideas out to a wider audience.

You were a Sauvé Scholar at McGill University and enrolled into law school at Université Laval. You later became a member of the Quebec Bar and practiced law at Norton Rose Fulbright (then Ogilvy Renault) in Montréal. What was the draw for you to transition from the journalism world into practicing law?

I was interested in politics from a young age and someone I idolized was Brian Mulroney. I always wanted to be near him, and he was a lawyer at Ogilvy Renault in Montréal. He was the primary reason that drove me to do that.

You later co-founded HATLEY Strategy Advisors, which was then acquired by Teneo in 2020, where you currently work as a senior managing director. Teneo offers corporate consulting, strategy and advising. On paper, those are three different paths in your career from journalism to law to consulting, but I have to feel there would be many similarities in each profession?

Absolutely. The corporate consulting work I did at HATLEY and now at Teneo allows me to draw on the skills developed from past experiences in politics, journalism and law. I use them daily in my work.

In addition to your role with Teneo and serving as president of Golf Canada you’ve also given your time as a volunteer to Dunham House in Dunham, Que. a residential treatment centre specializing in mental health and addiction recovery. What drives your passion to give back to your community?

It really boils down to wanting to get directly involved in causes you believe in. When you have a personal interest, and you’re invested in it on an emotional level, you do more. In the case of Dunham House, it’s an institution that founded by a very good friend who was touched by the issues of addiction and mental health. So, I am happy to contribute and support that cause.

Let’s talk about how you joined Golf Canada. Your journey originally began in 2013 as a volunteer. Was there something or someone that drew you or spoke to you about joining?

I had always wanted to get involved and I was fortunate to have a friend, Norman John Hébert, whose mother, Diane Dunlop Hébert, was then president of Golf Canada. She is the one who opened the door to help me get involved as a volunteer.

In your time with Golf Canada, you have sat on the committees across a number of areas including Compensation, Investment, Governors Council, People and Culture, Heritage Services and Volunteer Services Working Group, and volunteered on duty rosters, including as a starter at the RBC Canadian Open. You were then elected to the Board of Directors in 2018, became vice president for consecutive terms in 2023 and 2024, and are now the 118th president. I would have to think, that amount of experience across a number of committees has helped you ahead of joining the board and eventually becoming VP and now president?

Without a doubt. I think it’s important to know the organization well if you’re going to lead the board. I’ve benefited from being involved in a lot of areas of the organization which has allowed me to not only understand how it works operationally but also get to know a lot of the key staff, which is nice.

There has been a shift in governance at Golf Canada in compliance with Sport Canada best practices, recently the addition of an athlete category on the board and many working professionals have taken positions. In your opinion, what makes for an effective board for a national sports federation.

I think there are two things. One is people who bring a passion to the cause and a deep affection for the sport in question. And two, a diversity in range and skill sets so that everything required to govern effectively — things like legal background, accounting, human resources, etc…is covered. You need people who represent all the different skill sets and backgrounds needed.

You were on the board when the current strategic plan launched. What are your thoughts on the operational and commercial success of the organization coming out of the pandemic and the strength of the organization’s financial performance in recent years?

We’re so fortunate to be in such a strong position. We’ve been the beneficiaries of strong leadership by our CEO, Laurence Applebaum, combined with good fortune. A lot of new people have picked up the game due to the pandemic, and many who had quit have come back. The numbers keep on increasing even though we’re a few years out of the pandemic. So I think it’s a combination of good leadership and the positive impacts of external factors. There’s that saying that “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

People across Canada are engaged in golf. Record numbers of participation, 11 million scores posted on the Golf Canada App. There is great strength in Canadian golf and programming from First Tee – Canada, She Plays Golf, the Team Canada High Performance program and those competing professionally on the world stage. It’s all been a point of pride for Golf Canada, what are your thoughts on the state of Canadian golf today?

I would say we’re in an enviable position. I’m not sure that anyone could have predicted where we would be right now, both in terms of the amateur game and the pro game, a few years ago. Tee sheets are jam packed at public courses. Private clubs have waiting lists. We had four Canadians participate in The Masters.

If you could pick one event or moment during your time with Golf Canada thus far that would be your fondest, what would it be?

That’s a tough one. Probably being a first tee starter at the RBC Canadian Open. Meeting the players, introducing the players –especially the Canadians and the ones you’re personally a fan of –that’s a really neat experience. Another that comes to mind is meeting Lee Trevino, who originally sparked my golf interest. He came to the RBC Canadian Open a few years ago and we spoke for about two hours!

In your first year as president of Golf Canada. Are there any particular goals you hope to achieve or see continue this year?

Capitalizing on the growth of the game and the gains of recent years is top of mind. We need to keep the momentum going. Also, good governance and modernization of our volunteer infrastructure. Over the years, people have asked whether I have enough time to volunteer for Golf Canada because I worked full time. We must continue to make our organization friendly to those who work and who have other commitments, like young families.  

During your time as president, Golf Canada will transition its national headquarters to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, home of the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, how exciting is that and another new chapter for Golf Canada?

Tremendously exciting. It’s a project that I’ve seen go from a mere concept to now almost being a reality. There’s been a lot of work and commitment from staff to make this happen and I think everyone is just excited now to see it come to fruition and to be ready. It will be a new era for Golf Canada.

You have been a generous donor to the fundraising activities of the Golf Canada Foundation – how impactful have the efforts of the foundation and its network of donors been to the advancement of Canadian golf?

It really makes a difference. The Golf Canada Foundation under the leadership of Martin Barnard must be lauded for the growth we’ve seen in fundraising in the last number of years – particularly when it comes to the First Tee – Canada program, lining up a lot of major gifts across the country to fund provincial First Tee chapters. It’s going to take a while for us to see the fruits of that because it’s a fairly new program, but I am confident it’s going to pay huge dividends down the road.

I’d like to ask a couple personal questions. How do you maintain relationships? I am sure there are many areas, places and people you’d like to connect with, or re-connect with. How do you achieve that? How do you maintain relationships?

At a basic level it’s about reaching out and keeping frequent contact. Emails, calls, text messages, playing golf together, you have to keep the effort going through touchpoints to keep relationships alive. It does take effort, and it has to be a mutual effort.

You live in Westmount, Quebec with your wife and two young sons. Are they golf enthusiasts?

Everyone plays, including my wife. We have a family membership at Knowlton Golf Club and the boys and I play nine holes almost every weekend there in the summer. They’re showing a keen interest, which is exciting.

I am sure that your responsibilities as a father and husband take you in many different directions. On-top of that you work full-time and volunteer your time extensively. With that, how important is it to maintain a good work-life balance?

It’s very challenging, but it’s essential. There’s always a tension between the two and you just have to do the best that you can. It’s a juggling act. It helps if you have a supportive spouse or partner, and I am lucky to have that.

How would you describe your golf game today?

(Laughs) I’d say that I am pleased with it, considering my age and how often I play. I am very happy to break 80 on any given day.

Finally, what is something that we should know about you, beyond reading your bio?

I am a very communicative and open person. I am an open book. I want to be accessible so if anybody ever wants to reach me, please do not be shy. Pick up the phone or send the email if I can help with anything.

Holly Knudsen led the charge for the Minot State University (MSU) Beavers at the Augustana Spring Invite in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on April 7 and 8. The Chaplin product opened with an 82 at Elmwood Golf Club, she shot 79 in round two finishing at 17-over par. The Beavers tied for fifth in the team competition, Knudsen’s tie for 12^th was MSU’s top placing.

Knudsen and the team will head to Adams Pointe Golf Club in Blue Springs, Missouri for the NSIC Tournament on April 25 to 27.

On the men’s side of the Augustana Spring Invite Saskatchewan golfers were all over the leaderboard. MSU collected a second place in the team competition.

Estevan’s Jace Carlisle tied for seventh place, he shot a tournament low 69 in round one and 77 in the second round, teammate Winston Grayson of Kipling tied for 13^th place at 6-over par, 150 (78,72). Darien Herlick of Weyburn fired rounds of 77 and 75 for the Beavers, he was tied for 22^nd, Estevan’s Chase Gedak carded a 77 in the first round and 76 in the second round, the Golf Kenosee member was tied for 25^th.

MSU was just three shots back of Augustana’s ‘A’ team that won the team competition. The Beavers conclude the spring season at the NSIC Tournament starting April 17 at Adams Pointe Golf Club.

The Waldorf Warriors were in Marshall, Missouri for the Missouri Valley Invitational on April 7 and 8. Saskatoon’s Caden Loeppky was competing for the Warriors ‘B’ team at Indian Foothills Golf Course. The Willows Club member shot 87 in round one, bounced back nicely with a 77 in the middle round, in the final round he shot 84. Loeppky tied for 35^th at 32-over par, his team placed seventh overall.

Next up is the Loras Invitational on April 13 and 14 in Asbury, Iowa at The Meadows Golf Club.

Regina duo Will Blake and Luke Cote alongside their Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Mulerider teammates were in Mayetta, Kansas on April 7 and 8 for the Firekeeper Open at Firekeeper Golf Club.

Blake went 74, 78, and 73 for a 54-hole total of 9-over par, 225, he was tied for 37^th. Cote tied for 47^th at 10-over par, 226. The Royal Regina Golf Club shooter shot 74, 73, and 79.

SAU placed eighth as a team, next up is the Great American Conference Tournament in Fort Smith, Arkansas starting April 21 at Hardscrabble Country Club.

At the Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester, Pennsylvania on April 7 and 8 the Indianna University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Crimson Hawks were in action. In the field of the Dr. Edwin B. Cottrell Invitational was Waskesiu junior graduates Alex Swinnerton and Guillermo Salazar.

Swinnerton was his steady self shooting rounds of 74 and 79 leaving the Saskatoon product in a tie for seventh overall. Salazar, who hails from Calgary, Alberta but spent summers at Waskesiu growing up finished tied for 47^th, he opened with a 79 but his second round was 91 dropping him 14 spots down the leaderboard.

IUP was third as a team. The next event for the Crimson Hawks is their lone home event of the season, the Cecil C. Spadafora Invitational at Indiana Country Club on April 15 and 16.

In New Orleans, Louisiana on April 7 and 8 Saskatoon’s Chase Pochylko was competing in a three school match play event for Nicholls University. In his first match, the Riverside Country Club member tied New Orleans University’s Maximilian Wojciechowski at Bayou Oaks at City Park. On day two Pochylko outlasted Southeast Louisiana’s Viggo Hed 1UP. After hole seven Pochylko was 3DOWN but forced his way to the front on the back nine.

The Colonels turn their attention to the Southland Conference Championships in Kerrville, Texas at Comanche Trace – The Hills / The Creeks Courses from April 21 to 23.

The Southwestern Community College Spartans took part in an event featuring several NCAA Div. 1 teams and placed fourth overall at the Kishwaukee Intercollegiate at Kishwaukee Country Club in Dekalb, Illinois on April 5. Playing 36 holes in one day, Saskatoon’s Justin Miller shot 79 and 86 placing 39^th in the event.

Miller and the Spartans will travel to Indianola Country Club in Indianola, Iowa for the Storm Spring Classic on April 16.

Regina’s Diana Kerr is the new president of Saskatchewan’s amateur golf governing body.

The Wascana Country Club member was voted into the role by the board of directors following Golf Saskatchewan’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 5. Kerr becomes the first female president of the association since another Regina golfer led the executive, Cathy Bildfell.

She began volunteering with Golf Saskatchewan just over a decade ago as a Rules Official. Kerr then decided to join the board of directors to learn the “business behind Golf Saskatchewan.” After two years in the role of vice president under Kevin Duchscherer, Kerr will now take over. She said another former president pushed her towards the opening.

“It was never something I wanted to do, but Larry [Wagman] approached me, and I thought with my business background I think I can do it. It was a big step for me,” Kerr said.

Kerr admitted she is nervous about being the first woman in the position since 2006 and being Saskatchewan’s provincial representative at the Golf Canada board table, but she’s also thankful to be depended on after several years of service to the organization.

“I am humbled to have the opportunity to be the president of Golf Saskatchewan for the next year or if it’s longer than that, I am excited about that,” she added.

Golf has been very successful globally, especially with the COVID pandemic providing an uptake in players taking up the sport. One area that continues to struggle in numbers is female competitors. Kerr said Saskatchewan’s top players usually participate in the Saskatchewan Amateur and Senior Championships, she said having more female events at the club levels and junior is very important for the future of the game.

“I’d rather focus on the member clubs getting more events for ladies,” Kerr said. “Our competitive golfers are already participating in the provincials, that’s not going to change. What I’d also like to focus on more junior girls, because I think that’s more the potential for the future.”

Kerr said making sure the province’s best players compete for national teams is very important, but most golfers are recreational, the category she puts herself in. She posted over 50 18-hole rounds through the Golf Canada Scorecentre app in 2024, but also played many partial rounds. Kerr concluded that however you play the game, shooting for a national spot or spending time outside enjoying the game, she encouraged everyone to try to sport out.

“You have to create an environment where people feel comfortable, if they don’t want to keep score, I don’t care. If they want to go out and play five holes, I don’t care, just get out and play,” she stressed.

One new person joined the executive, Audrey Perra of Regina was acclaimed to the group.

Golf Saskatchewan’s AGM can be viewed here.

To see the annual report, including the organization’s finance report that showed a $122,000 surplus, click here.

Ella Kozak has wrapped up her top collegiate performance with the Western Carolina Catamounts.

The Yorkton product was at Mimosa Hills Country Club in Morganton, North Carolina on March 31 and April 1 competing in the Mimosa Hills Invitational. Kozak opened the 54 hole event with a 78, she shot 80 in the second round, and 79 in the final round to tie for 16^th, her best finish yet. The Catamounts were fourth out of 10 teams.

Their next event is the SoCon Championship in West Columbia, South Carolina at Solina Golf Club starting April 14.

Holly Knudsen of Chaplin continued her final spring season with the Minot State University (MSU) Beavers at Paradise Pointe Golf Club on March 31 and April 1. She shot 82 and 85 while in Smithville, Missouri for the 36 hole event and placed 34^th. The Beavers were 13^th in the team race.

MSU is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the NSIC Conference Preview at Elmwood Golf Course starting April 7.

Will Danielson tied for his team’s lead in 11^th place and helped the Milsaps Majors to a third place performance this week in Bullard, Texas at the Eagle’s Bluff Intercollegiate. Danielson carded rounds of 79, 70, and 76 on March 31 and April 1 finishing at 12-over par.

The event was the lowest score for the Majors this season which will be Danielson’s last. Next up is the SAA Golf Championships at Greystone Golf Club in Dickson, Tennessee from April 25 to 27.

Two Saskatoon student-athletes were in the same field in Maryville, Missouri at the Mozingo Lake Golf Course. Caden Loeppky and Justin Miller were competing for the Waldorf Warriors and Southwestern Community College respectively on March 28 and 29 in the Graceland University Spring Invitational. Playing on Waldorf’s ‘B’ team, Loeppky shot 86 and 84, he was 39^th, his team was eighth. Miller fired an 83 and an 82, he was 24^th playing as an individual.

Waldorf will travel to Marshall, Missouri for the Missouri Valley Invitational starting April 7, Miller and Southwestern begin the Kishwaukee Intercollegiate at Kishwaukee Country Club in Dekalb, Illinois Saturday (April 5).

Alex Swinnerton and fellow Waskesiu Golf Course junior graduate Guillermo Salazar were in Old Hickory, Tennessee on March 31 and April 1 for the 54 hole Trevecca Men’s Spring Music City Invitational played at Hermitage Golf Club General’s Retreat Golf Course. Swinnerton added another top 10 finish to his record with Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) after rounds of 72, 69, and 68 to lead the Crimson Hawks team in a tie for 10^th. Salazar, from Calgary but spend his summers in Waskesiu and competing on the Saskatchewan junior circuit shot 75, 70, and 75, he was tied for 48^th.

IUP placed 11^th out of 17 schools in the event. The Crimson Hawks reload and prepare for the Dr. Edwin B. Cottrell Invitational in West Chester, Pennsylvania at Penn Oaks Golf Club starting April 7.

Cole Taylor of Nipawin and the Park University Gilbert Buccaneers hosted a small four school event from April 2 and 3 in San Tan Valley, Arizona. Taylor shot 78 and 74, he was tied for 13^th.

The Bucs won the event being the only school under par shooting 10-under par on route to the win. The GSAC Conference Championships are next for Park, that begins on April 14 in Prescott, Arizona at Antelope Hills Golf Course.

Registration will open for the 2025 championships in just under two weeks.

Here is what competitors need to know ahead of the individual events in July, and the team events in August.

The Saskatchewan Junior Championships will be hosted by the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre from July 8 to 10.

For full details, click here.

For the Amateur Championships hosted by the Humboldt Golf Club from July 15 to 18, several parameters have been put in place due to a maxed field in 2024.

• Exempted players include all amateur men that made the cut in in 2024
• The last five champions (if amateur status remains)

Exempted players will have until May 15 (one month after opening) to secure a spot in the championship. On May 15, all spots will be open on a first come, first served basis. Credit card payments will not be processed until May 15.

The amateur details are here.

The Senior Championships are going to be in Swift Current at Chinook Golf Course from July 22 to 24. Full event information is here.

The Women’s 4-Ball (Rosebowl) Championship is set for Lynbrook Golf Club on Aug. 13 and 14, the Mixed will be in North Battleford at the Golf and Country Club on Aug. 23 and 24.

For information on the Rosebowl, click here, the Mixed Championship information is here.

Sarah Henderson is the latest Saskatchewan junior golfer to commit to a college in the United States.

Henderson, 17, will attend Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois just outside Chicago. The Flyers compete in the NCAA Div. 2 ranks.

Henderson is the reigning Saskatoon Women’s Open champion and placed seventh at the Saskatchewan Junior Championships last season in Yorkton.

Henderson spoke to Golf Saskatchewan about the commitment, process, and her goals for the upcoming season.

Ella Kozak continued her spring season at Western Carolina University this week in Raleigh, North Carolina at the City Oaks Collegiate at Lonnie Poole Golf Club.

The Yorkton born standout tied for 48^th in the NCAA Division 1 event. Kozak shot 83 in round one, followed by a 78, the Deer Park Municipal Golf Course member closed the 54-hole event with a 79 to finish at 240.

The Catamounts as a team were 14^th. The next event for Western Carlina and Kozak is the Mimosa Hills Intercollegiate in Morganton, North Carolina starting March 31.

Myles Johnson and the University of Victoria Vikes travelled to the United States for The Battle hosted by Wayland Baptist University on March 24 and 25.

Johnson improved every round at Laughlin Ranch in Laughlin, Nevada, the Martensville product opened with an 89, but then chopped seven shots off for round two shooting 82, Johnson then cut another seven strokes off closing with a 75. The Legends Golf Club member and staffer finished in 93^rd place. The Vikes were 20^th as a team competing in the NAIA ranks at the event. Johnson and the Vikes are in Abbotsford, British Columbia on March 31 for a match play event against the University of Fraser Valley.

The Minot State University Beavers were in action again this week at Adams Pointe Golf Club in Blue Springs, Missouri competing in the NSIC Preview Invitational hosted by Winona State.

Estevan product Chase Gedak was again the top Beaver tying for 19^th place. Gedak shot 72 and 73, his 145 was 10 shots back of the winner.

Fellow Estavanian Jace Carlisle tied for 39^th, he shot rounds of 72 and 76. Winston Grayson of Kipling was in the field competing as an individual, he posted scores of 75 and 78, he tied for 70^th.

Darien Herlick of Weyburn was also in the field for the Beavers, he fired rounds of 82 and 81, he was 107^th.

The Beavers were 13^th in the team standings, next up is the Augustana Spring Invite in Sioux Falls, S.D. starting on April 7.

The University of Waldorf Warriors were in Boonville, Missouri for the Central Methodist Invitational on March 24 and 25. Saskatoon’s Caden Loeppky was headlining the ‘B’ Warriors squad, he shot 83 and 81, that left Loeppky in 51^st spot. The Warriors team was 11^th.

Waldorf is in Maryville, Missouri for the Graceland Invitational that started Friday.

Regina duo Will Blake and Luke Cote and the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders were in El Dorado, Arkansas on March 24 and 25 for the Arkansas Collegiate at Mystic Creek Golf Course.

Blake finished in 17^th place, the Royal Regina Golf Club member shot 73, 80, and 79 for a 54-hole total of 232. Cote, also a member at the Royal posted rounds of 76, 81, and 77, he tied for 19^th.

The Muleriders as a team were second beaten by Georgia Southwestern. SAU is in Mayetta, Kansas for the Firekeeper Open starting April 7 at the Firekeeper Golf Club.

In Sonoma, California on March 24 and 25, Saskatoon’s Carter Degelman wad on the course alongside the Dominican University of California Penguins competing at the Sonoma State Spring Invitational.

The Riverside Country Club shooter placed 80^th after rounds of 84, 90, and 79 at Sonoma Golf Club. The team was 12^th, their next event is the Hanny Stanislaus Invitational at the Turlock Golf and Country Club in Turlock, California beginning April 14.

Saskatchewan’s lone NCAA Division 1 male golfer, Chase Pochylko was in action this week, the Nicholls University Colonels were in Semmes, Alabama for the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate on March 24 and 25.

Pochylko shot 79, 75, and 76 to finish tied for 62^nd at Magnolia Grove. The team was 11^th overall. The Colonels will take on New Orleans in match play starting April 8.

The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Host Society is pleased to announce that the 2027 Games (NAIG) will take place in Calgary from July 25 to July 31.

Today, Indigenous leadership from across Alberta, including representatives from Treaty 6, Treaty 7, Treaty 8, and Otipemisiwak Métis Government, gathered together in anticipation of welcoming 756 Indigenous Nations from across North America to the largest sporting and cultural event for Indigenous youth.

With more than 6,000 participants competing in 16 sports, supported by 2,000 volunteers and thousands of spectators and dignitaries, NAIG represents a historic opportunity to celebrate Indigenous excellence in athletics, culture, and community.

“The North American Indigenous Games represent more than competition; they embody the spirit, resilience, and strength of our Nations,” said Chief Lee Crowchild, NAIG Board Member and former Chief of Tsuut’ina Nation. “We are excited to welcome young Indigenous athletes to Calgary and create an environment where they can thrive both on and off the field.”

Participating teams traditionally represent all provinces and territories of Canada, as well as multiple regions from the United States. The 2027 Games will feature 16 sporting events across two youth age categories:

• U18 (Born 2009 or later)
• U15 (Born 2012 or later)

“As one of the founding members of NAIG, I have witnessed firsthand the power of these Games to unite Indigenous youth in sport and culture,” said International Chief Wilton Littlechild, NAIG Founding Member. “This event provides young people a platform to showcase their talents while reinforcing identity, belonging, and self-determination through sport.”

“The 2027 Games will be a transformative moment for Calgary and Indigenous sport,” said Shannon Dunfield, Chair of the 2027 NAIG Host Society. “We look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and supporters from across the continent and ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.”

Mark yours calendars golf fans, the Synergy 8 group in Saskatoon is bringing Canadian star Corey Conners to the Bridge City for their 2025 fundraising event at The Willows Club and Prairieland Park.

This year’s tournament and following “Dinner with Corey” will take place on Aug. 28. Prince Albert comedian Kelly Taylor will host the dinner.

Conners is currently one of the top players in the world, he is ranked 27th in the world as of March 24. He was recently part of the Presidents Cup team in Montreal and competed for Canada at the Olympics.

The Synergy 8 group consistently supports the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, this year a focus will be on Saskatchewan’s Air Ambulance. Saskatchewan Air Ambulance is based at the Saskatoon Airport and uses three Transport Canada-approved King Air B200 aircraft equipped for critical care transport. Flights are staffed by specially trained air medical crews that include critical care flight nurses and critical care paramedics. Over 1,400 patients are transferred to Saskatoon annually.

It’s customary for Synergy 8 to announce many more guests as the event nears. In the past Saskatchewan celebrities such as Kim Coates, Darcy Kuemper, Wendel Clark, and Connor Ingram have been involved.

For more information on the 16th Synergy 8 Drive for Kids Campaign and all their past guests, click here.

Originally published on SaskToday on March 17, written by David Wilberg.

ESTEVAN – A fundraiser for Estevan’s Amanda Minchin surpassed all expectations.

The event, held March 15 at the Wylie-Mitchell building, attracted an estimated 475 people. Estevan Deputy Fire Chief Kyle Luc, who was one of the organizers for the benefit, said the initial estimate is it raised more than $100,000 to help Minchin financially as she continues to battle medical issues. They won’t know for certain how much money it brought in for a few more days, as they still have some bills to pay.

“We didn’t expect to have what we had,” Luc said in an interview with SaskToday. “It was unreal to see the support of the community and everyone came together. So, we’re happy with the outcome and we can’t thank everyone enough.”

The event featured a supper, raffle, 50/50 draw, and silent and live auctions; the latter was conducted by Mack Auction Company.

“It was great to see all of the people out there bidding and buying these items that had been donated to us in support of Amanda. We raised $60,000 on the live auction alone,” said Luc.

The Estevan Wildcats hockey team, which Minchin plays for, sold drink tickets. Many people who couldn’t make it made cash donations.

Luc said when plans for the benefit first started, he would have been “blown away” to make $50,000. The event was initially slated to happen at the Beefeater Plaza but tickets sold out in an hour, so they switched to the larger Wylie-Mitchell hall. The extra tickets sold out within 24 hours.

“To see what came of this afterwards and the support of this community is absolutely amazing,” said Luc.

He noted Minchin was able to attend the event.

Luc, his wife Jenna, and EFRS members Brandon Frank and Tyler Stead took the lead on organizing the event. A lot of the other members from the Estevan Firefighters Association helped with the work behind the scenes, the cleanup and other tasks.

Kyle Luc said they wanted to host this event for Minchin because she is one of Estevan’s paid, on-call firefighters and “they’re like a big family”.

“We thought in her time of need, it would be best to do something for her to help get her through this time, so myself and a couple of the other officers decided we would plan the event,” said Luc.

He believes the immense support shown for the fundraiser reflects the impact that Minchin has had on the community. Not only is she part of the EFRS, but she has been the head professional and general manager at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course for years and is passionate about the junior golf program. She has also been part of a number of boards in the community.

“She’s just one of those people that’s always out in the community, and it was definitely shown when you showed up at the fundraiser and saw everybody [who came to] support it.”