FERGUS – Teams from across Ontario will return to Fergus as the Centre Wellington Minor Lacrosse Association (CWMLA) hosts the Scott Gerrie Memorial Tournament this weekend.
This year marks the return of the annual tournament after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
“We were a little disappointed that we weren’t able to have it for the past couple of years, but we’re excited that it’s coming back,” said Nathan Joyes, president of the association.
The tournament, which will run June 24 to 26 at the sportsplex in Fergus, includes 32 teams from across the province.
“From the schedule you’ll notice that we’ve got quite a range, all the way up the Ottawa area … down to Sarnia,” Joyes said of the teams. “So almost the full breadth of Ontario.”
There will also be a barbecue and vendors on site, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington and the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Wellington.
“It’s kind of all hands on deck,” Joyes said. “We’re hoping for a lot of support from the association.
“All the members of the association are going to come out and put in some volunteer time and just have some impact and some great lacrosse in the community this weekend.”
Joyes said the tournament presents an opportunity to support local businesses but also to build relationships and friendships amongst teams.
“We see a lot of development on the emotional side of things from the players as they’re able to participate and grow those bonds and friendships for a lifetime when they’re with their friends at the tournaments,” he said.
Joyes also expressed his gratitude to the CWMLA executive for helping to get the annual tournament started again.
“We’re just excited for it to be coming back here and it’s been a whirlwind of getting it up and going again,” he said.
The tournament is a fundraiser for the association and is key to keeping registration fees low. For more information and a schedule, visit cwminorlacrosse.ca/article_feed.html.
