MINDEMOYA—The Manitoulin Special Olympics (MSO) team has received funding from the Francis family, organizers of the annual Rick Francis Memorial Golf Classic.
Raymond Francis, on behalf of the family, made a cheque presentation to members of the MSO team at the latter’s practice this past Monday at the Mindemoya baseball field. “Raymond, along with Ruth Anne (the wife of the late Rick Francis) and the Francis family, have donated $1,500 to Manitoulin Special Olympics,” stated MSO coordinator and coach Janet Anning.
“We want to thank you very much for this donation,” said Ms. Anning.
“We have been operating the golf tournament for 14 years now,” Kerry Francis told the Recorder. “This year’s tournament at Rainbow Ridge Golf Course in Manitowaning will be the third year we have held the tournament on the Island. Proceeds from last year’s tournament went to the Manitoulin Special Olympics-Island chapter and a private donation was made to assist a family.”
Mr. Francis pointed out the vision of the annual tournament is to raise funds to assist children and youth to participate in sports and other recreation activities.
Mr. Francis explained how the tournament named for his brother Rick was created. “In May of 2003 Rick Francis tragically lost his life in a car accident. Rick was a dedicated family man, well known for his humour and honesty. This annual golf tournament began in 2004 (in Thunder Bay) to give friends and family the opportunity to gather together to remember Rick with an enjoyable day of golf-one of the many sports he loved.”
“Following Rick’s belief that all children deserve the opportunity to take party in healthy activities, proceeds will be donated this year to assist local families by subsidizing sports and recreation registration fees and equipment,” continued Mr. Francis.
“This tournament brings together many family members and friends,” said Mr. Francis, who lives in Little Current as do other members of the family. “Our 14th annual Rick Francis Memorial Golf Classic will be held at the Rainbow Ridge Golf Course in Manitowaning on Saturday, August 12.”
For more information or to register for the tournament, contact Kerry Francis at klgfrancis@hotmail.com or 705-368-0655, or Raymond Francis at rayfrancis@gmail.com or 705-368-2586. Registration deadline is August 8, 2017.
