On a, mostly rain free, Friday in early September, Wigan Youth Zone’s Chair, Gary Speakman, hosted the charity’s annual Golf Day at Wigan Golf Club in Standish to raise vital funds for the charity. The event was a sell-out with 26 teams of four taking part in the tournament.
There was a great atmosphere amongst the golfers, who started their day with breakfast baps, juice and hot drinks as they awaited their tee-off time. The mood was one of nervous anticipation as to what their fate would be on the course, but there was also a real sense of pride that they were united with other likeminded people who wanted to support a local charity which positively impacts on thousands of young people every year.
On the course, there were mixed fortunes as the golfers competed across the 18-holes many of which were sponsored by companies including; R Banks & Son (Funerals), NR Barton Chartered Accountants, Wigan Warriors, Wigan Athletic Ladies Football Club, Network Space, Lines Henry, Caddick Construction, Assured Health and Protection, Caledonian Leisure and Michelmersh Brick Holdings.
A variety of high-end golfing prizes were awarded for the best teams and individuals on the day. Steve Critchley and his team won the coveted 1st place honour, with Greenhey Insulation and Caddick Construction in second and third places respectively.
Off the course, the golfers, largely from the local business community, had the opportunity to relax, network and take part in a raffle which included some fabulous donated prizes including David Clarke golf vouchers, Chilli Dip Golf Lessons, a signed Wigan Athletic shirt and two Wigan Warriors season tickets.
The day was a resounding success with over £6,300 raised to support the charity to continue offering highly-subsidised, quality, services which have a proven impact on improving mental health, increasing confidence, reducing isolation, reducing anti-social-behaviour, increasing activity and improving health. Since opening in 2013, the charity has generated over £36m of social value for the Borough.
Sharon Mclaren, Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager, said;
“We are so grateful for all the support we received to make this fabulous event a reality – the feedback from the golfers was excellent and many of them have already registered interest for next year’s event!
The amount raised for the charity is a significant sum and it would not have been possible without all the teams who entered, the companies who sponsored, the people who donated raffle prizes, the fabulous team at Wigan Golf Club and, finally, to our amazing Chairman Gary Speakman who worked so hard to make the day a success.”
Wigan Youth Zone has had a positive impact on over 30,000 young people from Wigan and Leigh since opening in 2013, by inspiring and empowering young people to fulfil their potential. In order to continue supporting thousands more, the charity needs to raise £2m a year from the community and there are a variety of ways to doing this – from donating £5 a month via Direct Debit to becoming a Patron of the Charity. Every £1 donated will generate more than double in social value for the Borough.
For more information on how YOU can support Wigan Youth Zone to invest in the next generation of young people from the Borough, please visit https://www.wiganyouthzone.org/support-us/donate-today/ or contact sharon.mclaren@wiganyouthzone.org.