Join us as we celebrate 10 YEARS of bringing all kids on par

Clare Drake used to remind us: “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit.”

And we’ve always listened to Clare. It’s become Sport Central’s motto.

However, as we embark on the 10th annual Mark Spector Golf Classic, we simply have to recognize some individuals — starting with you.

At Sport Central, we have spent the last 30-plus years helping to get kids whose families may not be able to afford the costs of equipment, to get geared up and get into the game. But in many ways, we are just the end of the process.

You are the beginning.

Your generosity in supporting The Spec Classic allows us the opportunity to invoke Drake’s slogan. Because without your support, there would be no “accomplishment” to “get the credit” for at all.

Over the past decade, as our tournament has grown, so has our partnerships with so many of you. From Gregg at Vivo’s Ristorante, to Jeff at MHK Insurance, to Wilf at Northstar Hydrovac — and the myriad of Alberta companies who have come on board along the way — your loyalty has been more than amazing. To the point where Covid stopped us from teeing up in 2020, and we still raised over $100,000 for Sport Central because not one single partner asked for a refund.

We are back again at The Quarry Edmonton this summer — circle July 26 on your calendar — to celebrate a decade of The Spec, and we’ll be as strong as ever with 27 holes, over 200 golfers, plenty of treats out on the course and a full dinner after the round.

Kids are back in sports. That has us focused on collecting equipment, leaning, sorting and repairing that gear, and maintaining our headquarters and bike shop. So when a family in need shows up at our doors, the lights are on and they are greeted by Sport Central staff who are ready to help.

If you can help by becoming a partner, contact us at Sport Central or look me up on Twitter @SportsnetSpec. If you simply want to get in a round of golf, watch this website. We’ll open up registration some time in the spring of 2023.

On July 26 you can expect the same mix of NHL players like Colton Parayko, Carter Hart, Jake DeBrusk, Nick Holden, Tyler Benson, Johnny Boychuk and more, plus a visit from Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, our honorary Sport Central ambassador.

We’re all a product of our upbringing, and for us at Sport Central, that childhood was spent on the rinks, courts and fields of our various communities.
Learning how to be a good teammate still makes for a better adult down the road, and the value for kids to play, make friends and learn the lessons that competition provides will never go away.

Come out and help us give that opportunity to kids who might not otherwise get there. And enjoy a great round of golf at the same time!

Mark Spector
Tournament Co-Chair