Support for Brock University’s student-athletes was in full swing during the President’s Golf Classic on Monday, May 27.

Held at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, the 21st annual event brought together more than 120 golfers who, in addition to hitting the green, raised more than $70,000 for the cause.

Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg expressed her gratitude to the day’s participants for their support of the University’s student-athletes.

She highlighted the crucial role of sports in the development of young people and the integral part it plays in the Brock experience.

“University sport helps develop teamwork and leadership skills, often forging lifelong relationships between teammates,” Rigg said. “Brock’s student-athletes strive to excel both on the field and in the classroom, and balancing these responsibilities doesn’t leave much time for part-time jobs. That’s why your support today is so important.”

This year’s event continued the tradition of the Golf Classic, which has raised more than $1.2 million in its history to support scholarships and financial aid for Brock’s student-athletes.

The funds raised help ease the financial burden on student-athletes, allowing them to focus on their academic and athletic commitments.

Nine-time national champion wrestler Hannah Taylor (BSM ’21), a former Badger and current Olympian, shared her personal journey with the crowd and the impact of financial support on her career.

“I was welcomed into the Badger family with open arms, which included not just my coaches and teammates, but also a network of individuals like you who believe in the power of education and athletics,” she said.

She emphasized how the support enabled her to balance her demanding training schedule with her academic goals, ultimately leading her to compete in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Rankin Construction, the presenting sponsor for the seventh consecutive tournament, was instrumental in the event’s success. The support from sponsors and participants alike ensures that Brock’s student-athletes can continue to pursue excellence both in sports and academics.

“These contributions allow our remarkable young people the freedom to pursue their passions both in and outside of the classroom,” Rigg said. “The support helps them develop into well-rounded and successful graduates.”

Sponsors include Rankin Construction, City of St. Catharines, City of Port Colborne, Canada Games Park and CIBC Global Asset Management, Chorley + Bisset, TELUS Health, Commercial Cleaning Services, Scotiabank, Buffalo Canoe Club, GardaWorld, Aramark, Pepsi, Mawer, Mercer, ECCO Electric, KONE, Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP, Stolk Construction, Telcon Datvox Inc., PH&N Institutional – RBC Asset Management, TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, T. Litzen Sports, Aviva Investors, Architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson, CIBC Capital Markets, Quartek Group Inc., Cassels Brock, Pier21, Axium, Aquicon and Blackwell LLP.