Community Living Huntsville will be hosting its first-ever Grip It and Rip It Muskoka Disc Golf Tournament at the Evergreen Fields Disc Golf Course on Sept. 18.
Jennifer Jerrett, Community Engagement Specialist with the organization said the event is one of their signature fundraisers, with all the proceeds going to support housing for people with developmental disabilities in our community.
“It’s fairly dire out there in terms of rental accommodations. Affordable housing is virtually extinct. So, people are living precariously on couches, couch-surfing, which isn’t ideal,” said Jerrett.
According to their website, more than 470 people and families are on a waitlist for affordable housing in Muskoka, with wait times ranging from four to ten years. For people with developmental disabilities, the wait times are reportedly 10 times longer than the average.
“I wanted to come up with some type of tournament that was accessible for people. That didn’t cost a lot of money,” said Jerrett. “So, disk golf doesn’t have to cost a lotta money. You can play it with two or three disks. There are a few free courses around our community. So, it is something that is more accessible to people.”
She anticipates about 80 per cent of the participants will be new to the sport.
“That doesn’t mean if you’re really, really good, you can’t participate because we want you there as well, because maybe you can help teach us a few things. So, it’s going to be a good blend,” she said.
The event kicks off at 9 a.m. Tickets are $70 per player or $260 for a team of four.
