The Thunder Sports Club will be hosting its annual ballhockey tournament beginning on March 30 at Maht Mahs Gym.
The club is sponsored by Les Sam Construction, and is active in both the summer and winter months.
“We started off in 1993 with fastpitch, then added ballhockey in 1994,” Les Sam said. “Normally we get First Nations teams from the Duncan/Chemainus area, Vancouver, Port Hardy and the West Coast. Last year we had 14 men’s teams competing, but usually we try to get 10 men’s and six women’s teams.”
Sam said the tournament is able to attract teams by offering some serious prize money.
“Last year it was a $1,500 top prize,” he said.
The event is a major fundraiser for the club, which, among its activities, provides coaching and mentoring for youth sports in the community.
“The sports club raises funds to travel to First Nations championships all over North America, mostly with the [Les Sam Thunder] fastpitch team,” Sam said.
The club is now putting together the prize pool for the draw that takes place at the tournament. One prize is a mask donated by carver John Jacobsen of Alert Bay.
“We also have a pair of Canucks tickets for the April 17 season-ender with the Edmonton Oilers, and a Canucks jersey,” Sam said.
Tickets are $5 a piece or three for $10, and will be available through team members and at the Tseshaht and Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council offices.
For more information contact Les Sam at 250-720-7334 or Richard Sam Jr. at 250-731-5422.
