Hub Staff
Since the inaugural event in 2018, the Jack Drury Memorial Dirt Bowl has gained yards of progress with more sponsors and generous donations coming in for the August 10, 2019 event.
This flag football tournament involves community teams of 10 players, no skills required. Each player pays a $20 registration fee ($200 per team) and spectators can buy tickets for $20 each. The matches take place at the JH Robertson Soccer Complex in Port Elgin with registration getting underway at 8am. Dinner will be served and raffle prizes will be handed out at the Queen's Bar and Grill in Port Elgin following the games. A by-donation barbecue will also be held on the field.
Jack Drury graduated from Saugeen District Secondary School (SDSS) in June of 2017 and took his own life later that summer. Joey Wentworth, Head Coach of the SDSS football team, had coached Drury for four years during his high school career.
In an August 1 interview, Wentworth spoke about his relationship with Drury and recalled how Jack never missed a practice and attended every fundraising event. He was just obsessed with football, said Wentworth.
“Oftentimes these kids spend more time with me than they do their own families,” said Wentworth. “I have the opportunity to have a special bond with these players.”
Wentworth knew they had to do something to honour Drury’s legacy and came up with the concept of a football fundraiser that would get people out and having fun while raising money and awareness to help prevent future tragedies like Drury's.
Wentworth pitched the idea to his uncle, Pier Donnini, owner the Queen’s, who jumped onboard. Donnini supplied food for the event and hosted a packed afterparty where teams celebrated with food and prizes.
“It’s really not about the sport of football or winning,” explained Wentworth. “It’s really about raising awareness and raising money to help the youth in our community who are in the same position that Jack was in."
Half of the proceeds are donated to WES (Wellness & Emotional Support) for Youth Online counselling. WES gives those suffering in silence a way to receive help while preserving their anonymity by providing free online counselling for youth aged 13 to 24 who live in Grey and Bruce counties. Each counsellor at WES holds a Masters degree in Counselling, at least two years' experience and have completed CyberCounselling courses.
“There’s no embarrassment, no shame,” Wentworth said. “Nobody’s going to know who you are and I feel like that’s usually a big concern with these people. They don’t want people to know that they’re struggling.”
Wentworth recalled being with Drury prior to their death and how they were just being Jack. Then the next thing you know, they're gone, said Wentworth.
“I feel like WES for Youth offers a service that they don’t have to be self-conscious that they’re struggling," Wentworth said. “They’ve got the opportunity to talk to somebody without judgement.”
The other half of the funding goes to the SDSS Royals Football program as it was such an important part of Jack’s life.
With a goal of $3,000 for the first tournament, Wentworth was thrilled having raised $9,100. This year’s tournament will host a silent auction with what Wentworth described as some big prizes.
To register a team, contact Joey Wentworth at 519-386-0078. Team registration fees can be sent via E-transfer to memorial.dirtbowl@gmail.com.
