As summer quickly approaches, dozens of LGBTA organizations are quickly finalizing the last minute details of some amazing events, such as the Carol Cattell Classic Golf Tournament.  From the sounds of things, not only will you be able to show off the golf swing you have been working on all year, but you will also be paying tribute to a phenomenal woman and an amazing organization.

The tournament held from Friday, July 13th to Sunday, July 15th in Bashaw, Alberta is hosted by Womonspace, an organization whose mandate is to ensure safe and fun meeting spaces for lesbians in Edmonton and surrounding areas.

The tournament is unique in many ways, and as Laurelie Nattress of Womonspace states, "This is a fun tournament that will include some unusual contest and golf skill competitions for modest prizes." What originated as a more lax get-together has evolved into an all-weekend tournament. "In the past, we have used morning and afternoon shotgun starts for the golfers on the Saturday of the weekend. This year the tournament is again on the Saturday, but we are using specific tee times for the participants, beginning in the early afternoon or late morning, depending on registrations," adds Nattress.

Carol Cattell, whose namesake highlights the tournament, was a founding member of Womonspace who began the annual tournament. "Carol started the golf tournament and worked hard to make it happen every year until she lost her fight with cancer. A portion of the proceeds of the tournament goes toward the arts program at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton," remembers Nattress.

Cattell’s determination has definitely paid off, and the weekend is unique not only in the game of golf, but also in that it is a weekend campout, a favourite pastime of many of LGTBA Albertans. "The campout is unusual in that it is a rarity in our community; an opportunity for lesbians to gather, camp, and socialize in the great outdoors. The location, Country 9 Golf Course and Campground in Bashaw, lends itself well to the combination tournament/campout."

Womonspace has a rich history in creative events for women. What began as a small group of women craving social events in 1981 has turned into a volunteer-driven Board, organizing many social events and six dances a year.

Registration for the Carol Cattell Classic Golf Tournament ends on July 4th. Visit their website if you would like to register, or contact Laurelie with any questions at wstreasurer@hotmail.com.