TEN YEARS OF THE SHAW CHARITY CLASSIC // COVER
TEN YEARS
OF THE SHAW CHARITY CLASSIC JIM RIDDELL AND BRAD SHAW REFLECT ON THE GOLF TOURNAMENT’S ENORMOUS IMPACT IN CALGARY AND BEYOND
BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE
T
here are many reasons why Calgary is on the international map. World-class events, unparalleled access to sports and recreation, an entrepreneurial and charitable spirit, the abundance of natural resources; much attracts folks to visit and often remain in this city. It’s a place to raise a family, build a business and have a good time. It has great energy. The Shaw Charity Classic presented by Suncor embodies all that is great about Calgary – and then some. In its 10th year, the annual golf tournament – the only Canadian stop on the PGA TOUR Champions – not only showcases Alberta’s largest city to the rest of the world, it also brings out the community’s incredible spirit of giving. The three-round, 54-hole stroke-play tournament, which takes place at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club August 3 to 7 (the traditional late summer date was moved up to mid-summer this year), features some of the world’s greatest names in golf. An estimated 40,000 fans will watch players, including Calgary’s own Stephen Ames, compete for $2.35 million in prizes.
And while the tournament is both a showcase of the city and a premiere event accessible to all, it is its charitable impact that is most notable. Since its inception, the tournament has raised over $76 million for over 233 Alberta children and youth charities. “It’s grown into something so much bigger than what any of us had ever imagined,” marvels Brad Shaw, executive chair and CEO, Shaw Communications. “Even with all the bumps in the road we’ve had over the last few years, we’ve managed to raise an incredible amount. The impact is undeniable.” Originally conceptualized by the late Clay Riddell after he was approached by Ames, the initial hope was to cover the considerable tournament costs (including television broadcast on the Golf Channel) with the hope to have something left over for charity. Riddell called upon the philanthropic Patron Group – Allan Markin, Jim Riddell, Keith MacPhail, Guy Turcotte, Gary Peddle, Mike Culbert and Ames – as well as the Shaw family, to become involved. “My dad started to formulate a vision of what it could look like, and called around and got a few of the other Patrons RIGHT: JIM RIDDELL AND BRAD SHAW. PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO
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JULY 2022 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM
