After falling victim to the COVID-19 pandemic for two years, the STARS volleyball tournament returns to the court in April.
The three-day tournament in Fort Macleod in recent times has doubled its goal of funding one flight by the air ambulance.
“I’m hoping we can reach that goal again,” founder and organizer Mike Bourassa said.
The tournament will run April 1-3, with games at the Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre and W.A. Day school.
Registration is open to 40 teams in four divisions, with 32 spots already filled. Bourassa anticipates having all the spots filled this week.
Teams that registered for the tournament in 2020 had first crack at registering this year before registration opens to other teams this week.
“That has definitely helped us get the 32 spots filled, which is great,” Bourassa said.
The STARS tournament has been on again and off again as public health measures in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 tightened, loosened and then tightened again.
“It was definitely frustrating for myself and the committee,” Bourassa said.
Their dedication to host the fund-raising tournament never wavered in the face of adversity, however, and they are excited to return to play.
“I think it will be good to have it again, good for the town, good for people,” Bourassa said.
Last month, Fort Macleod residents responded positively to the Hockey Through the Ages tournament, an alumni event that attracted more than 100 players and raised over $77,100.
“If the hockey tournament has taught me anything, people are ready to do something,” said Bourassa, who was on the hockey tournament organizing committee. “Hopefully, these kinds of things will signal a return to some kind of normalcy for people in town.”
Teams pay $400 to register in the tournament, along with a $100 deposit that is returned if they play all their games.
There is competition in competitive, intermediate, recreation and beer league divisions, along with a beer gardens and Saturday night cabaret.
The goal of the tournament is to raise $5,400 to pay for one mission by STARS air ambulance.
In recent years the tournament has raised enough money to pay for two flights.
In addition, another $10,000 raised by the tournament is awarded to groups that volunteer during the event.
The STARS tournament committee includes Bourassa, Janene Van Driesten, Chelsie Wolff, Landon Schneider, Lindsay Zielinski, Brayden Van Driesten, Leanne Nels, Lauren Roelofson and Wes Stockton.
Committee members will begin contacting businesses for donations this month. Anyone who would like to contribute or volunteer can contact one of the committee members.
