The Lac La Biche Golf Club was full of good sports on Thursday for the fourth annual Portage College Athletics Association (PCAA) Voyageur Classic.
The annual event drew 24 teams to the lakeside course, helping raise funds and awareness for sporting programs at the Portage College.
Student athletes from the Portage College Voyageurs soccer and hockey teams were among the 31 volunteers at the tournament, offering refreshments, activities and information about the program and themselves. Many of the athletes are new to the community, preparing for their seasons and their classes. Several are also preparing for an experience far from home.
Across Canada and around the world
Along with student-athletes from the region, and others who have come from across Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, Portage College Athletics and Recreation Manager Jim Knight said several have crossed oceans to wear the Voyageurs jersey.
“These players come here to learn and play and embrace our community” he said.
PCAA President Lorin Tkachuk said events like the Voyageur Classic help to welcome new student athletes and to promote the community. He says the quality of education offered at Portage College and the quality of the sports programming draws attention from near and far.
“Knowing that athletes are coming to our community – some from around the world – to Portage College, is pretty special,” he said. “It’s something to be proud of.”
Portage College President Dr. Stephen Price thanked community members for welcoming the players and supporting the college.
He called the support “amazing,” and encouraged the 100-or-so golfers to take the time to meet the students during the golf round.
“As you go around the course today, I’m hoping you can welcome them, say hello, introduce yourself and encourage them to have a great season and a good time in the community,” said Price.
Since it began, the PCAA Voyageur Classic has raised approximately $25,000 for the Portage College athletics program.
The Portage College Athletics Association is a volunteer board that is open to members of the community interested in building access to athletic programing and community collaboration. More information about the PCAA can be found on the Portage College website.
— For more images and video from the day of fun and fundraising, check our Portage College social media pages.