Under a classic sunny Okanagan sky, 4,500 ball players enjoyed a fabulous weekend making Funtastic 2011 at all three locations another great success.
In 2011, Funtastic greeted guests from as far away as Spokane Wash. for the music festival. Funtastic 2011 hosted more than 5,000 music fans each night and enjoyed another sell-out for the slo-pitch tournament.
Teams from across Western Canada converged on Vernon, Armstrong and Enderby to enjoy friendly competition and reunite with friends from previous years. With more than 70 per cent of teams arriving from outside our region, spending approximately $4.5 million, Funtastic continues as the largest sport tourism event in the Okanagan.
Funtastic Sports Society appreciates the fabulous support of local government, the military, RCMP, the business community and an amazingly passionate group of volunteers.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our corporate sponsors and community supporters for their contribution; without their participation this event would not be possible.
Funtastic is very fortunate to have the support of more than 120 local businesses who recognize the value and importance of supporting organizers of events in our community.
Thank you goes out to the many city departments and their staff who were readily available to help. We appreciate the personnel at the Department of National Defence and the members of the RCMP who provided invaluable expertise and support. I wish to express my gratitude on behalf of all the ball players and organizations that benefit from the funds raised by Funtastic. To host an event such as Funtastic requires our community to come together and to work together. Once again, our community did just that.
And last but certainly not least, thank you to our guests, the players, who make Funtastic and the Okanagan part of their summer travel plans to enjoy each year, registering from as far away as Whitehorse.
These guests enjoyed social activities, our North Okanagan climate and friendliness. The success of Funtastic and every business in the Okanagan is measured, in part, by our sell-out ball tournament filling hotels and campgrounds each year.
Brett Kirkpatrick, president
Funtastic Sports Society
