This guest post was written by Gamble Tournament Chair Brian Covernton.
This annual event is in honour of Ross “The Rabbit” Gamble who passed away in 1989 and was a member of VRC. Ross was a stand up guy and a keen doubles player. This year we celebrated the 34th annual Gamble 100 and 13th annual 75 event.
We had 34 players who enjoyed a calcutta and dinner at VRC on December 3 to bid on 17 teams with 20% of the total bidding amount going to Autism Speaks Canada (ASC). In addition, $25 from each player entry in the tournament also goes to ASC as a donation with a tax receipt for each participant. Further donations were raised through auction of items. Some players donated some of their auction winnings too.
Play started Wednesday December 4 and finished with finals on Sunday December 8 at VRC.
Congratulations to the winners:
Gamble 100
Rick Ng/Brian Covernton def Doug MacDougall/Cathy Covernton 3-2
Gamble 75
Shawn Delierre/Dennis Forsman def Brendan George/Erik Nilsson 3-2
Many thanks to our supporters:
- Birdies and Balls Pro Shop (Paul Deziel)
- East Van Wear and Tattoo Co. (prize sweater)
- Isleptsowell.com (Erik Nilsson)
- Steamworks Brewing Co (Carl McCreath)
- Best Western Plus Sands Hotel (Dallas Worthington)
- Yaz Designs – Yasmine Franchi
- Tom Locke
Racquet companies:
- Unsquashable Squash
- Harrow Squash
- Victor Racquets
- Karakal
- Dunlop
Thanks to VRC staff for their administration assistance.
A special thanks to my committee:
- Rip Peterman (Draws and auction money)
- Tom Locke (Auctioneer, 50/50 draw)
- Yasmine Franchi (Posters, welcome letter, food and coffee)
- Ernie Chan (Draws and auction money)
- Dave Carter (VRC liaison and Club Locker)
- Gary Wong (pictures and video)
Thanks also to Carl McCreath for assisting Tom with the auction and filling in for Tom in the tournament with Wayne Maunder! They won the C Final.
The tournament again raised over $4,400 for Autism Speaks Canada and I wish to thank all participants and contributors in supporting the tournament and the charity.