Hundreds of lacrosse players from all over the province will be in town this weekend for the Boyd Balkwill Memorial Tournament.
The tournament is named in memory of Boyd Balkwill, a legendary figure in local lacrosse circles.
"Boyd Balkwill was instrumental in founding both the minor and junior lacrosse associations in Orillia," said his granddaughter, Shelley Balkwill-Russell, the director of this year's tournament.
This year will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of this tournament, which started in 1983. Due to COVID, the tournament has not been played for three years.
"We are excited to once again host teams from across Ontario at our memorial tournament," said Balkwill-Russell, who added the event is a fitting tribute to her grandfather.
"My grandfather’s love of lacrosse was nurtured at a young age in Orillia and this laid the foundation for his enthusiasm and dedication to the sport," said Balkwill-Russell.
Boyd Balkwill's passion for the game of lacrosse did not end with his playing years. In 1966, Balkwill spearheaded a group of lacrosse enthusiasts to help organize a game in celebration of the Canadian Centennial in 1967.
This group included Balkwill, Gerry Mugford, John Rykman, Jim Wilkie, Frank Thorington, Dr. Paul Williams, Doug Balkwill and Garry Balkwill.
"During these meetings it was decided that instead of planning for a single Centennial game, they would attempt to rekindle lacrosse in Orillia," Balkwill-Russell explained.
This group became the driving force behind what is now known as the Orillia Minor Lacrosse Association. Boyd Balkwill served as the group's founding president and helmed the organization for many years.
In addition to being an executive member, he was also the manager of one or more minor teams each year until the late 1970s.
At that time, junior lacrosse was re-introduced and Boyd Balkwilll coached the team and also served for many years on the executive of the Orillia Junior Lacrosse Association.
Boyd was awarded the Merv Mackenzie Award in 1972 by the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) and later received the President’s Award by the OLA in recognition of 50 years of dedication to the sport.
"Boyd’s love of the game was passed down to his children, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren," said Balkwill-Russell, who noted many will be involved in this weekend's event.
While the tournament originally started as a peewee tournament (now known as U13) it has evolved into a six-division tournament ranging from U7 to U17 teams. More than 750 players will be battling for divisional bragging rights this weekend.
"This year we will host 39 teams from across Ontario at both Rotary Place and The MASK," said Balkwill-Russell, noting teams are coming from as far as Sudbury, Pelham, Windsor and Oshawa.
"This tournament would not be possible without volunteers. They are the backbone of this organization and our tournament," said Balkwill-Russell.
She said there is a need for timekeepers for the weekend event. If you are interested, email: [email protected].
Games start Friday and wrap up Sunday. Admission is free and fans are encouraged to attend.
