Charity golf tournament raising funds for youth with disabilities in Nipissing District

Memorial golf tournament for disabled youth (2020) The Shane McLeod Charity Tournament remains and important fundraiser for The Nipissing Association for Disabled Youth and its programs.

NORTH BAY — A weekend-long charity golf tournament is taking place in Callander in support of youth with disabilities in the Nipissing area.

It's the 10th annual Shane McLeod Memorial Golf Tournament in honour of Shane McLeod, a North Bay man who had to face many obstacles throughout his life.

Shane's younger brother, Mat McLeod, had the drive to start this tournament 10 years ago so as to always remember his determined brother.

"Shane was my older brother," reflects McLeod.

"Anytime we asked him to do anything, he would always be up in arms and say 'Okay, no problem.'"

Shane was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at just six months old. He had to take several trips to Toronto's SickKids hospital for surgery.

When Shane was 9-years-old, his family found out he was blind in one eye and had very poor vision in the other.

Shane died just after Christmas in 2010 from a massive heart attack. He was only 37-years-old.

"Every year, he's with us," said McLeod.

"He would be the one trying to help us out and take care of everything he can."

A few months after Shane's passing, Matt wanted to kick-start a charity event in his brother's name.

The idea of a golf tournament came up and Matt jumped on board immediately.

All of the money raised from the weekend tournament is being set aside for the Nipissing Association for Disabled Youth (N.A.D.Y.).

The money will go towards funding its programs and services in place for the 100 children with disabilities it serves.

"We run these programs in conjunction with One Kids Place, Laurentian Ski Hill and with horseback riding," said N.A.D.Y. President Jim Stewart.

"They are programs where kids can get out of the house, get off the couch, and go and do."

The association cannot put its events on at this time because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This year they're hurting with things not being able to take part," said tournament organizer Bill Antler.

"So, we're fortunate to be able to be accepted by them into the N.A.D.Y. family."

Over the last 10 years, $125,000 has been donated to the cause.

"I'd like to say thanks to everyone that's donated over the years and all of our sponsors," said McLeod.

The golfers say they're ecstatic to hit the links in the name of charity and Shane.

This year's tournament is a little but different. An online auction is also taking place. You can visit the auction here.