The Orillia Minor Lacrosse Association is once again hosting the annual Boyd Balkwill Memorial Lacrosse Tournament this weekend.
There will be 32 teams from across the province – and one from Baltimore, MD – competing in this year’s event. The players will range in age from 6 to 16 and action kicks off Friday morning and will conclude with championship games in each division on Sunday afternoon.
The tournament began in 1983, the year after Boyd Balkwill died. It started as a peewee tournament but has evolved into an event for tyke, novice, peewee, bantam and midget players.
“This event couldn’t happen without the support of volunteers and sponsors,” said tournament convener Scott Balkwill, the grandson of Boyd Balkwill.
He urged people to come out and support local lacrosse.
“There should be some good lacrosse being played in the area on the weekend,” said Balkwill, noting games will be played at Rotary Place, the Oro-Medonte Arena in Guthrie and The MASK in Rama.
As she has since the tournament began, Lois Balkwill, Boyd’s widow, will take in some games this weekend. She has often presented championship banners to division winners over the years.
For more information about the tournament – including a full schedule – visit orilliaminorlacrosse.com and check out the tournament page.
