In Praise of UNF Golfers for Success of Camp “Sokil”

Excerpt of speech and toast delivered by Eugene Masney at UNF (Toronto) Camp “Sokil” Golf Tournament Dinner and Awards, August 7, 2010.

Fifty plus years ago, the very grounds we have walked on today became the working project of the Ukrainian National Federation (Toronto Branch).  Throughout those years, many YHO, OYK, and MYHO members worked in various ways to make Camp Sokil [at Hawkestone, Ont.] what it is today.  

Part of the history of this success was as a result of the game of golf… Ukrainian Golf was started by a small group of adventurous men – the Shanty Bay Old Boys. Every Saturday morning these intrepid men would venture out just before the crack of dawn and meet at Shanty Bay Golf Club [north of Barrie]. There the foursomes set, the clubs were drawn, the wagers made and the bonding began… Then the serious discussions began. What does the camp need? Who do we speak to at the municipality? Where do we put a trailer park? When do we start on improving the Motel? … build tennis courts, children’s play area, baseball diamonds and volleyball courts? We need to improve the Children’s Camp. How do we help the women with the Chapel? I truly believe that at least 50% of the planning for all these and other projects were started at Shanty Bay golf course.

Over the years, God has called some these dedicated men and women to His side. In 1980, we said goodbye to the first of the YHO Finance Committee Members - John Babiak. I thank Morris Adamowich for maintaining a memorial honour roll with the names of these members [some of whom were also Shanty Bay Old Boys Golfers]. Three of the Sokil trophies have been donated by [respective] families in memory of Paul Fedun Sr., Joe Chaszcziwskiy and Nadia Uhryn Krawchuk. This year, we add the Mike Rebryk Memorial Trophy – Men’s 50 Years Young and Over.

The Shanty Bay Old Boys Alumni’s one request would be for each of us to look in our hearts and make some time to carry on with what they have left us and improve it. Their lives were based and nurtured by their core beliefs: a strong work ethic; relationship with God and His church; pride and love of their family, Ukrainian heritage, and Canada; and the love of the game of golf!

Thank you for attending and supporting this tournament… I propose a toast to all who have left us this wonderful legacy - Camp “Sokil”. They are truly members of the Greatest Generation! To the Shanty Bay Old Boys Alumni - may all their drives be straight, their putts short and uphill. God Bless.

The 2011 UNF Camp Sokil Golf Tournament will take place at Shanty Bay Golf & Country Club, 322 Oro-Medonte Line 2 North on Saturday, August 6. Shotgun Tee-Off 1 pm. Dinner and awards 6 pm. at golf course. Zabava 9 pm. at UNF Camp Sokil ‘Pavilion’ (Hawkestone, Ont.) Cost: $120; Non Members $125; Students $85. Dinner only $25. Proceeds support UNF Sokil Recreation Area and Children’s Camp - fundraiser to resurface tennis courts and start building new basketball courts. To register, visit www.Sokil.UNFToronto.com and email form to eugene.masney@gmail.com. For information, sponsorship, prize and fund donations, contact Dianna at kattailz@rogers.com.