Lions Cup raises more than $92,000 for athletic scholarships

Lions Cup 2018
Lions Cup 2018

York University Athletics and Recreation hosted the 17th annual Lions Cup Golf Tournament on May 31 at St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Club and raised more than $92,000 for athletic scholarships.

Lions Cup 2018
Left to right: Jeff O’Hagan, vice-president Advancement; Alexandria Town, women’s wrestling student-athlete; Guy Burry, co-chair, Lions Cup Golf Tournament; Andrew Jones, men’s volleyball student-athlete; and Jennifer Myers, executive director, Athletics and Recreation

More than 80 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day under sunny skies in Aurora, Ont., and came together for an important cause: student financial aid. Many student-athletes who have been recipients of financial aid were on the course to run fun, sport-specific activations and interact with the golfers. Their presence was a reminder of the importance of the day while also giving them the chance to network with professionals in the careers they aspire to have one day.

“This year’s tournament was a huge success,” said Jennifer Myers, executive director of Athletics and Recreation. “Everyone in attendance had a great time and we were able to shine a light on how hard our Lions student-athletes work and why financial aid for them is so crucial. Most importantly, we raised a tremendous amount of money that will go a long way in providing support for our Lions.”

The Lions Cup was first held in 2001 as the Chair’s Cup. Marshall Cohen, then Chair of the York University Board of Governors, and his wife, Judi, envisioned creating a “friend-raiser” as well as a fundraiser, to rally friends, alumni and other supporters around raising money for students. In recent years, the event has shifted its focus to supporting varsity student-athletes, and now all money raised from the day will go directly towards athletic scholarships for the Lions.

TD Insurance has been involved since the beginning of the tournament and continues to lead the way as the champion sponsor. The other two major sponsors this year were 407ETR and Brand Heroes.

Thanks to the generous new sponsors and returning community sponsors at this year’s tournament. Their contributions play a vital role in helping to provide excellence in athletics and recreation, giving tomorrow’s athletes the perfect start they deserve in achieving their academic and athletic goals.