First Annual "Soldier On" Atlantic Golf Invitational to be Held in Moncton, NB, August 9

Charity Golf event to benefit ill and injured soldiers

DIEPPE, NB, Aug. 8, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The first annual Soldier On Atlantic Golf Invitational will take place August 9, at 12:30pm at Fox Creek Golf Club. Proceeds from the tournament benefit Soldier On, a Canadian Armed Forces program that supports serving members and veterans as well as members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police injured during international operations. The program helps members to overcome their physical or mental health illness or injury through physical activity and sport.

"We are proud to be involved with this tournament which will not only benefit our wounded soldiers and RCMP officers through the Soldier On program, but will raise awareness of their sacrifice on behalf of all Canadians" says Jake Bell, who sits on the Board of Governors for the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, the main sponsor of the event.

The organizing committee is headed by Michael Feyko. Seriously injured in a parachute accident, Mike overcame odds to not only walk again, but become a golf pro after his injury. Later on in life his injuries, both physical and mental, caught up to him and Michael quit the game and walked away from his new career. "It wasn't until I became involved with the Soldier On program that I could return to golf and continue my career as a golf professional," says Mike Feyko.  "Now I can help others understand the importance of golf as a form of rehab for ill and injured soldiers."

Twenty teams will participate in the tournament from New Brunswick's business community and the public sector.  Also participating will be wounded and injured veterans.

About SOLDIER ON
Since its inception in 2006, "Soldier On" has helped more than 2,200 ill and injured members to obtain sporting or recreational equipment, gain access to high-level training from world-class instructors and supported their participation in a wide range of structured activities from alpine skiing to fishing to adventure expeditions. This re-introduction to an active lifestyle provides the member with opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence in their abilities and meet peers with similar challenges. Many ill and injured members credit the "Soldier On" program with helping them to adapt to their new normal, realize their full potential and soldier on.  

The "Soldier On" Fund is the most direct way for Canadians to contribute to supporting the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of ill and injured members. Program administration costs are covered by the support system within the Canadian Armed Forces, so 100 percent of donations go to directly support injured soldiers. The fund has disbursed more than $4 Million for the purchase of sporting and recreational equipment such as bicycles, golf clubs, kayaks, ski and fishing equipment. The fund also pays for training and travel expenses for members to participate in regional, national and international events. 

About Commissionaires
Commissionaires is Canada's premier security provider and the largest private sector employer of Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP veterans. Founded on the core military values of dedication, responsibility and sense of mission, it employs 21,000 people from coast to coast to coast. It offers a wide range of security services including professional guarding, monitoring and surveillance, threat risk assessment, non-core policing, by-law enforcement, digital fingerprinting, criminal and employee background screening, investigations, and security training. The completely self-funding, not-for-profit organization generates more than $500M in annual revenue, of which approximately 95% is returned to its employees.  Its clients include a diverse range of public and private sector organizations.  

SOURCE Commissionaires

For information on how to participate in the tournament, make a donation or become a sponsor contact Jake Bell at 506 229 2291 or [email protected] .