Nearly 100 golf fans and current student-athletes attended the 20th installment of the Lions Cup golf tournament fundraiser, hosted by York University Athletics & Recreation and TD Insurance.
The tournament, originally conceived as part of a mission to extend financial assistance to York's future student athletes, took place this year at Wyndance Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ont. and successfully raised $154,000 for athletic scholarships by the event's close.
A number of current student-athletes, many of whom had benefitted from athletic scholarships, helped organize and participated in the tournament and golf challenges - including the longest drive competition and the golf accuracy challenge - while seizing the opportunity to establish valuable connections with professionals in their respective fields of study.
From left: Janae Brown (track and field), Joselyn Gagliardi (women's soccer), Jasmine Heath (track and field), David D'Agostino (men's hockey), Guy Burry (co-chair, Lions Cup), Corrado Messina (senior relationship manager, Ontario Market Lead, TD Insurance), Bart Zemanek (associate director, advancement, Athletics & Recreation), Lucas Van Den Driesschen (track and field), Lexy Anonech (women's hockey), Agostino Principato (men's soccer), Nicholas Mohammed (summer intern, Athletics & Recreation)
Inaugurated as the Chair's Cup in 2001, the Lions Cup carries a rich history. The Cup's creators, Marshall Cohen, the former Chair of the York University Board of Governors, and his wife, Judi, had a visionary goal: to establish a "friend-raiser" event that not only generated funds but also cultivated bonds and organic networking opportunities among friends, alumni and other supporters. Recent years have witnessed a notable shift in the tournament's primary focus, now centered on bolstering varsity student-athletes by channeling all proceeds directly into athletic scholarships for the Lions.
Today, York is home to more than 500 varsity student-athletes who are among the best world-class competitors in their respective sports, who also maintain impressive academic standings. This culture of athletic and academic excellence is inspired by the support of donors and community members who participate in initiatives like the Lions Cup.
The scholarship program is also made possible through the generous contributions of both new and returning sponsors of this year's tournament. That support plays a vital role in granting tomorrow's athletes the opportunity to achieve their academic and athletic aspirations.
For a complete list of this year's tournament sponsors and donors, visit the tournament webpage.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
