RICHMOND (WTVR) – Playing off the fact that they both turn predominately left in their chosen sports, Richmond International Raceway and the Flying Squirrels are teaming up to put on a golf tournament that will benefit each of their charitable foundations.
The following is a press release issued about the event:
The Richmond Flying Squirrels and Richmond International Raceway are joining forces to host the inaugural Turn Left Golf Classic. The charity golf event, which will be held at The Dominion Club on Monday, June 2nd, strengthens the partnership between two of the most impactful brands in the RVA community. The tournament will equally benefit the charity arms of both organizations, Richmond International Raceway Cares and Flying Squirrels Charities.
Flying Squirrels’ Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell, joined by Richmond International Raceway President Dennis Bickmeier and The Dominion Club Director of Golf TW Pulliam explained the reasoning behind the tournament name. The common denominator between the two organizations – competitors turning left during competition. Drivers turn left at “America’s Premier Short Track,” and base runners turn left as they round the bases at The Diamond.
“Since the Squirrels first arrived in Richmond, RIR has been a tremendous ally of our team,” said Parnell. “Our organizations share the mission of doing all that we can to better the community that we live and work in. It was a no-brainer for us to form an official partnership with them, and know that the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish, starting with the Turn Left Golf Classic.”
Although the Turn Left Golf Classic is the first official event hosted by the Flying Squirrels and RIR, the two major sporting groups have worked hand-in-hand in many endeavors throughout the last four years. Both organizations have aided the other greatly in their philanthropic goals, through donations of both time and resources.
“Richmond International Raceway is excited to ‘officially’ partner with the Squirrels on what is going to be a premier fundraising event in the Richmond area,” said Bickmeier. “This is just the beginning of a great relationship. Combining the resources of the two largest sporting venues in the area, we will be able to make an even bigger impact by giving back to our community.”
The Turn Left Golf Classic is unique in its format, providing two different flights for participating teams to compete in. There will be a flight of teams entered as a complete foursome, as well as a celebrity flight. To enter the celebrity flight, teams will register as a threesome and be joined by a celebrity from either the Flying Squirrels or RIR and the NASCAR community. The celebrities will be selected during a pre-tournament draft party. Both flights will compete in a captain’s choice format. For additional details on the competitive format and to register for the tournament, please visit www.rir.com/turnleftgolf.
A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for the inaugural event and can be seen by visiting www.rir.com/turnleftgolf.
