ESTEVAN — Ninety-six golfers registered for the third annual Jay Pierson Memorial Golf Tournament, which took place Saturday at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course.
Estevan Police Service Const. Jeremy Taman with the Jay Pierson Memorial Golf Tournament organizing committee said that while participation numbers were slightly down, the support was higher, and they were able to raise more money than they did last year.
"We had really great sponsorship this year. And everybody who came out really gave back for the funds that we were trying to raise. So, it was better in regards to the actual fundraising itself, although the numbers were down. So a very successful year actually," Taman said.
About $3,000 was raised this year through the tournament via sponsorships, hole sponsors, a 50/50 draw and other raffles, with some unique items like a personalized cooler and personalized cornhole game. Money raised from this year's tournament is going towards Osi-Can (Operational Stress Injury/Post Traumatic Stress Support Initiative).
"Obviously, it's a cause that's really dear to our hearts for the whole awareness and memory of Jay Pierson," said Taman.
"It's always great to remember Jay, the guy that he was, the member serving in the community and giving back. It's an honour to be able to assist with that and anything that we can do to further awareness for PTSD and occupational stress injury. And that relates to everyone, no matter of your occupation, mental health awareness is something that we're all striving to assist with."
He noted that while there were a lot of participants who knew Pierson or of him, the tournament has grown outside the immediate circle and they had other people joining to play some golf and support the cause.
"We're just happy to have whomever at the tournament, and they're all there to support the cause and help out so it's all good," Taman said, adding that he hopes the tournament will continue for years to come.
The tournament ended with a three-way tie, with a trio of teams all shooting 14 under par.
Pierson, who dedicated more than 20 years of his life to policing in Estevan, died of natural causes in March 2021 following a long struggle with PTSD as well as the battle with the Estevan board of police commissioners and Workers Compensation Board. The first memorial golf tournament was run that summer.
