YORKTON — A successful turnout at the third annual AZ Golf Tournament has resulted in a $35,000 donation to support local cancer care initiatives in the Yorkton region.
Tournament founder Alec Zawatsky presented the cheque to Leone Ottenbreit, co-founder of Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer, following this year’s fundraiser at Good Spirit Lake Golf Resort.
The money will support Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer’s local cancer initiatives program and will be directed through the Health Foundation toward the purchase of specialized chemotherapy-mixing equipment for Yorkton Regional Health Centre.
Ottenbreit said the new equipment will allow more cancer patients to receive treatment closer to home.
“The Health Foundation has a new piece of equipment that will actually mix the chemo in ways that we haven’t been able to offer here in Yorkton,” she said. “In turn, that is going to allow more patients to receive treatment in Yorkton and not have to travel to Regina or Saskatoon.”
She called the donation a significant contribution toward equipment that will “change the lives of people affected by cancer.”
The tournament attracted 150 golfers, while another 40 people attended the evening cabaret, social and live auction at the Good Spirit Lake clubhouse.
Zawatsky said the event was created three years ago as a way to give back to communities that have supported him throughout his life and hockey career.
“I wanted to find a way to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” he said. “Yorkton and the Good Spirit Lake community have always supported me, my hockey career and everything I’ve tried to build. This tournament is my way of saying thank you.”
The cause is also personal for Zawatsky, whose grandmother, Cathy Zawatsky, spent time receiving treatment through the local chemotherapy program.
“We’ve done this in honour of her,” he said. “My family’s been affected, I know Leone’s family’s been affected, and it goes through so many lives here in the local community. When it goes to a real purpose like this that changes lives, it’s very important to me.”
Ottenbreit praised the young organizer’s commitment to the cause.
“For Alec’s age, he is such an amazing young man,” Ottenbreit said. “It astounds me that someone of this age can be this dedicated and this organized and has so much of a heart for people. We’re glad to be partners with him.”
Zawatsky credited Ottenbreit and her husband, Greg, for helping grow the event.
“Your support, guidance and mentorship mean more than you know,” he said. “You both have such an important part in this event and the growth of this event.”
Following another successful year, organizers are already planning to expand their fundraising efforts in 2027.
Zawatsky said a second golf tournament is being planned at Deer Park Golf Course in late June, while the Good Spirit Lake event will return during the August long weekend.
The fundraiser was supported by numerous local businesses and sponsors, as well as auction donations from several professional hockey figures, including members of the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings organizations.
“We hope to see you next year,” Zawatsky said.
