Our gratitude and thanks to all of you who have supported Dusan’s Foundation in 2011 – we sincerely hope you will continue and make the foundation even stronger in 2012!

Special thanks at this time go to Melanie Goodday from Halifax, N.S., who donated $200  just before Christmas. Melanie knew Dusan and had worked with him when she lived in Ontario. We so very much appreciate that she remembers and is always willing to support what Dusan believed in and worked for.

And words are not really enough to show our gratitude to John Pytel – yes – The Ettyville John – for donating $435 just before the end of the year. One of many Dusan’s disc golfing friends who keep showing their support time after time. Thank you John – Dusan is definitely smiling down at you and your donation will go a long way in helping us to enable youth in recognizing and realizing their potential!

I could write name after name here – all of you who have supported the foundation – THANK YOU! We love you all and will forever be grateful that you are helping us keep Dusan’s memory alive!

All my love

Saturday, October 15,2011 will be remembered for a long time by everyone who came. And as the famous statement goes: “If you build it – they will come” it proved to be – oh so true! Personally, I couldn’t believe my eyes, when early Saturday morning group after group, one after another, people were lining up at Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort to register for the tournament. Finding out that we are actually booked to capacity was a definite highlight and in a second, all the work that went into organizing the tournament –  getting sponsorships, running around to collect prizes and donations, all the stuff that almost makes you run your energy levels to the bare bottom – all that was gone. Oh yes – it was definitely worth of all the effort! Thank you so much to Liz ,Andrew, Bill and all Chicopee staff for awesome job!

Thank you all out sponsors:

And a huge THANKS to the volunteers – Mikey, Duke, Dan, Chris,David, Jennifer and Mike!

We are now only hours away from the fun and excitement of Okthrowberfest at Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort in Kitchener.

Remember – registration starts at 8:00 AM, player’s meeting at 9:15 AM, Round 1 starts at 9:30 AM

Youth fun tournament will start at 10:00 AM (on a special course designed just for kids) and in case the weather doesn’t co-operate, the Youth Tournament and all the fun will be moved indoors.

You will enjoy Oktoberfest sausage lunch at noon – and again – should the weather not co-operate, the lunch will be indoors. Remember the mini target raffle we had last year? A toonie will get you 5 throws on mini discs to a portable basket. Every time you get an ace, you get a raffle ticket and we have at least 10 prizes to give out! This will be your entertainment at lunch time!

Round 2 at 1:15 PM and Awards at 4:00 PM

Player packs will be awesome and we now have an official Okthrowberfest tournament discs for all players (the kids will get Chicopee disc, mini and about 12 other items in their goodies bag!

Here is the official tournament disc:

The official 2011 Okthrowberfest tournament disc

Registration is still going on, but here is the latest list. If you are are planning to attend and your name is not on the list, please call Chicopee at 519-894-5610 or let us know!

Here is list of those who have registered as of this morning:

PRO

1. Duane Chris

2. Robert Martinek

3. Pete Bolitzky

4. Ken Myers

5. Paul Michel

AM

1. Steve Becker ( 2 )

2. Sid Duiker

3. Grant Ellison

4. John May

5. Kevin McIntosh

5. Brian McMurachy

6. Scott Nowack

7. Austin Roche

8. Devon Saucier

9. Dave Cort

10 Dan Nedelko

11 Jake Smith

12 Mike Strong

13 Rob Graham

14 Ian Duncan

15 Vern Lepine

16 David Van Belois

17 Bob Sun

18 Max Beyer

19 Andrew Bates

20 Matt Neill

21.Jamie Reilly

LADIES:

1. Emily Becker ( 2 )

2. Lisa Janik

3. Nicole Nedelko

4. Rachele Michel

5. Rosanne Michel

6. Jennifer Bronson

7. Darlene Teall

REC

1. Mark Anderson

2. Nathan Goldberg

3. Luke Passmore

4. Erik Postma

5. Bert Saucier

6. Ben Morris

7. John Fischer

8. James Thomson

9. Christian Vandergrift

10 Corey Vandergrift

11 Jan Cina

12 Derek Lackenbauer

YOUTH:

1. Zachary Goldberg

2. Jaxson Nedelko

3 .Azize Lepine

4. Travis Lepine

5. Calvin Cina

6. Dusan Newell

7. Jaden Duncan

8. Makalya Lackenbauer

Silent Auction is absolutely bursting with awesome items, including couple of portable targets, mini basket, Innova Starter sets, competition bags, gift baskets,special signed discs, …. too many others to mention.

Awards and prizes for CTP’s and Longest drives are like in no other tournament – so don’t miss it!

It will be a great day – see you there!

It is always with great pleasure that I can share letters the foundation receives from those who directly benefit from our work and your generosity.

In the Spring 2011 we have awarded Trails Youth Initiatives funds to support their worthwhile program.

Here are 2 letters we have received – one from the Director of Development and the second one from a young girl, who participated in the program. You will note that her name has been removed to ensure her privacy and protect her identity. I was touched by her comments that she learned not to judge people. What a wonderful experience and a great benefit!

This is what the foundation is all about – and we can’t thank you all enough for your support!

Please continue donating !

Thank You!

We’re pleased to announce yet another installment of the annual Okthrowberfest Disc Golf Tournament in support of the Dušan Nedelko Foundation.

For those of you who participated last year, we’re looking to have you join us for the 3rd edition of this family and beginner friendly tournament at Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort! If you missed it last year – please join us all day Saturday, October 15th.

Register today by calling Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort at 519-894-5610 or keep reading below to learn more!

The 3rd Annual 2011 OkthrowberFest Disc Golf Tournament in support of the Dusan Nedelko Foundation

What is it Okthrowberfest?

Okthrowberfest is an amateur and family friendly disc golf tournament and family day event being held at the Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort. We have a full day of fun filled activities available to your entire family and to participants of all ages.

What is Disc Golf?

Disc golf is a low impact, inclusive game of skill. Imagine playing “ball” golf and instead of hitting a ball with a club, you’re throwing a disc (or frisbee) at a basket instead of a hole. Age, athletic ability, size and stamina are all equalized in this incredibly fun and inclusive game of skill.

This game has an excellent social component and we definitely do not require you to have ever played! We have discs for first timers. We want to introduce you to the amazing world of disc golf. Get out in our beautiful natural surroundings and get healthy.

Can the entire family play?

Yes! This year we have arranged for a youth tournament to complement our multi-division tournament. Bring the entire family and we’ll make sure you first time disc golf experience is something your entire family will never forget!

How does this work?

First: Register today by calling Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort at 519-894-5610 then visit us at Chicopee at 9am on Saturday, October 15, 2011 for registration and and to get your hands on the player pack. There you will paired with three others for your “round” of disc golf. We will also ensure all youth participants are paired with Chicopee staff to kick off their training session and rounds.

Youth Event Schedule:

8am -10am - Registration at Guest Services
9am – 12am - Clinic and Tournament  - The Pines Course
12pm – 1pm – Chicopee Hall & Deck Lunch
1pm – 4pm – Afternoon schedule: disc golf, volleyball, climbing wall
4pm – Awards –  Chicopee Hall & Deck

Adult Event Schedule:

8am – 9 AM – Registration & Players Packs in Guest Services
Main Lobby – Complimentary Coffee & Muffins
9am – 9:15am – Players Meeting in Chicopee Hall
9:30pm  - Round 1 Tee Off (for those in the tournament).
12pm – 1pm – Lunch – Oktoberfest Sausage, non-alcoholic beverage
1:15pm – Round 2 Tee Off
4 pm – Players Meeting and Awards - Chicopee Hall Deck

Registration Fees and Divisions (includes lunch + a beverage, player’s pack full of goodies and a tournament disc total value is approximately $100).

Youth $ 20.00
Recreational $ 35.00
Amateur $ 40.00
Professional $ 45.00

You are welcomed to join Oktoberfest party at the Chicopee Haus Festhall, Ticket are $20 and first 150 people receive complimentary Molson Experience, sausage and beer sample, Register today by calling 519-894-5610. Also featured: free community bus for our neighbourhood, dancers, live music, trebuchet on the hill, and so much more.

Showers and lockers will be available to players – please reserve your tickets in advance.

We would like to take a moment to thank your sponsors, including K-W Oktoberfest, Pepsi, Joseph’s Winery, M&M Meat Shops and a whole list of others.

For those of you who have never played disc golf before – you will also receive a tournament disc to take with you for future disc golf events and games.

All proceeds to the The Dušan Nedelko Foundation, enabling youth through outdoor activity.

Dušan fell in love with Camp Ruskoka from the very first time he visited there. He became a very welcomed friend to the staff and was loved bhy participants for his outgoing attitude and willigness to spend every available hours teaching and playing and talking.

When we were aproached by the Executive Director of Ruskoka Alex Sakuta to help out builfding a challnege course at the camp – something Dušan talked to them about many time, we felt that it was absolutely a worthwhile project. And what an honour to Dušan and to all of us that the now real challenge course has been named Dušan’s Dare.

Here is a letter we just received from Alex and once he forwards photos from the kids on the course, I will update.

Thanks You Alex – Thank You everyone at Camp Ruskoka and Thank You all you young people who enjoyed and benefited from Dušan’s Dare!

All letters we receive are special – and we are grateful to all those who take time to send us a note.This letter is extra special. It is from a young lady, who lives in downtown Toronto a faces number of challenges in her life. Thanks to the support Outward Bound program received from The Dušan Nedelko Foundation, she was able to experience something she never thought she would – and gain so much from it.That is what the foundation is all about.

We are grateful to her for taking the time to so beautifully describe what she experience and what it meant to her – please read her letter and I personally hope that she will treasure her memories and that all of you continue supporting the foundation, so that we can share more letters like this one:

This is very real letter – I had to remove her name and her contact information to protect her identity – I am sure you will all understand that.

Thanks again – Dusan is smiling for sure and we once again express our gratitude to all who continue to support his dreams.

One of the recepients of our financial awards program this spring was the SOY – Supporting Our Youth – program of the Shelbourne Health Centre.

The Dušan Nedelko Foundation supported the centre’s Urban Adventure Program that simultaneously stimulates physical activities and outdoor learning, helping youth to build confidence, self-esteem amd leadershi skills.

Here is a copy of their letter :

Thanks to all of you who have supported The Dušan Nedelko Foundation and please – don’t stop!

I have mentioned this so many times in the past – it is pretty much impossible to express our gratitude to so many friends who go out of their way to support The Dušan Nedelko Foundation.

Here are just a few of them, but believe me, everyone who has donated, everyone who put even a loonie into a 50/50 draw jar is thanked and much appreciated!

Thank you to:

Jennifer Bronson of Optimum Employment Agency for her donation of canvas foundation bags that will be used for players packages at the 2011 Okthrowberfest Disc Golf Tournament at Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort in Kitchener on October 15,2011.

And for helping us send children to summer camp by donating $600 for camp fees! Those children and their parents are incredibly grateful for the experience!

To:

To Katie Valliancourt - now famous for her organization of Aaalapalooza 2011 music jam event. Katie had relentlesly fund-raised for Dusan’s Foundation by holding a number of 50/50 draws and raising almost $300!

To Scott Luttrell from Huntsville for sending in a donation of $180 from the Huntsville Ace Race

And a big THANK YOU to Bob Harris from St. Thomas and all 16 Canadian Masters who raised $205 for Dusan’s foundation – here is the note Bob sent in:

I would most definitely didn’t want to forget anyone who has donated to the foundation – like The Brantford Disc Golf Club who gave us an envelope with $116 raised at one of their tounaments.

If I didn’t mention you here specifically, believe me – it is not intentional and I will keep updating the thank you pages regularly.

There is someone very special that I need to mention:

The Men With Hats!

Mr.Bee, Twirlie, J.J. and Kelly

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for keeping Dusan’s memory so alive by keeping him upfront in your OD Tour tournaments! And for being such a great help to making sure his work and his dreams are being fullfilled – we love you all!

The Duṧan Nedelko Foundation

FINANCIAL  AWARDS – SPRING 2011

The Duṧan Nedelko Foundation is proud to announce Spring 2011 financial awards. We feel privileged to forward a total of $6200 to organizations leading inspirational youth programs in Ontario’s outdoors. Our application review committee had to make tough decisions, as there was great interest from a variety of non-profit programs and more funds applied for than we are currently able to award.

These are the organizations and groups who will benefit from your donations and your fund-raising efforts:

$ 2000 to Trails Youth Initiatives ~ a portion of this year’s costs for an inspiring 4 yr program for 88 vulnerable youth at a time, from both GTA and Northern Ontario communities.  Trails serves as a protective factor against poor education, poverty, violence, and exposes participants to experiences, including canoe and camping trips that help to expand and build a solid framework for sustained transformation.  The program builds roots and wings, so that budding leaders have the chance to apply what they learn in a safe, trial and error environment, with peer and adult coaches. www.trails.ca

$ 1000 -  P.I.N.E. project ~to support launching their Environmental Leadership Program, engaging local (currently Huntsville & GTA) youth in leadership training in the outdoors. The P.I.N.E. project’s mission: to inspire healthy, lifelong connections between people and nature. www.pineproject.org

S.O.Y – SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH

$1400 – SOY / Supporting Our Youth ~ we’ll provide towards a partnership with Outward Bound and others in Toronto, some transportation, tuition and food costs for 20 youth participants in SOY Urban Adventure Program. Queer Youth will focus on developing leadership capacity through adventure, through initiatives and exploration of the local urban environment, the program provides opportunities for personal & social development, community engagement, and awareness of connections to nature.

$500 -Etobicoke Outdoor Education Centre - we’ll support updating equipment youth use for the cross country ski program at Albion Hills Conservation Area.http://toes.tdsb.on.ca/residential/eoec/index.asp

$500 Set aside to support ODSA in Ontario Disc Golf Schools Education Program, set to bring discs, teaching and some outdoor learning time for students at public parks & courses across the province this fall.  We join partners Participaction and True Sport and look forward to boosting our support as other partners join in.

Special note:The DNF application review committee decided to set aside some available and expected incoming funds for Individual youth who may apply for support with parts of the costs of camp or similar outdoor educational experiences in Ontario this summer.    In June we awarded 2 youth our first individual bursary awards, a total of $800 towards summer camp fees.

Thank You for making it possible for us to support these organizations in Duṧan’s memory. We are truly grateful and hope that you will consider future donations – your dollars will put smiles on children’s faces when they experience the beauty and the inspiration of Ontario’s nature!

Duṧan Nedelko - 1970-2010

For more information, updates, pictures and latest news please bookmark the foundation website and keep visiting!

http://www.dusansfoundation.org

or contact the Foundation office at 519-500-5718