That spirit was on full display again this year — even if the weather had other plans.
The 2026 Sunrise Credit Union Bobcat BIRT Cup was shaping up to be another standout chapter in the tournament’s history. 28 teams were pumped up and ready to hit the track at the Wheat City Golf Course, and early momentum pointed toward another record‑setting day. But by mid‑afternoon, the skies opened and the rain refused to let up. The tournament was ultimately washed out, cutting short what organizers had hoped would be a full day of competition and celebration.
Speaking by phone from his office Wednesday morning, Tournament Coordinator Tyler Crayston says, “We still have mixed emotions on things still a little bit. You know, we had such a spectacle lined up for people that day. For us not to be able to deliver on that promise to be able to do that, really entertain, to give great value, that part still stings to this moment and probably will for a little while. But it’s just remarkable to see the response from that adversity. I thought it was going to be eight dollars (raised) not $85.000.”
No Requests for Refunds
Crayston was quick to credit those who showed unwavering support throughout the tournament even when the decision was made to throw in the towel. When the skies opened up people opened up their hearts. “People were in the fight with us. We weren’t alone on an island and for people to have endured that in the morning have their rounds somewhat cut short and then for those afternoon teams the 30 that we had, they are not playing at all, we didn’t have one…. whether it was a business that put in a team or four individuals who formed a team, we didn’t have one refund request. That is something that warms my heart. That is unbelievable! Words cannot describe how special that is. I kind of had the notion that this tournament meant a lot to people and it turns out, lord almighty it does!”
Sunrise Credit Union Bobcat BIRT Cup: A Tournament Built on Heart, Community and Resilience
Despite the dismal forecast, the response from supporters was overwhelming. Not a single refund was requested. Sponsors stayed committed. Volunteers stayed upbeat. And when the final tally was completed, the event still raised an impressive $85,000 — a testament to how deeply the BIRT Cup has embedded itself in the community. “This money will push projects and forward and I’m forever grateful for what those people did for us,” said Crayston.
Funds Raised Stay Local
Another great part of the tournament is the money goes to several local causes. “That’s probably the unique part about the tournament is that it doesn’t just support the Brandon University Bobcats student athletes with scholarships. We always have and always will select four or five and maybe a couple more local causes within the region. So that’s been the heart and soul behind the tournament since it was first born and that will be the way it will always be as long as I am a part of it. You know, that is the huge thing about it, it doesn’t just help the Bobcats it helps western Manitoba and it doesn’t get much better than that,” Crayston said.
Future Plans
Tournament organizers say the washout was heartbreaking, but also humbling. The outpouring of support reinforced just how cherished the event has become and how strongly people believe in its purpose. Plans are already underway to make the 2027 edition bigger, smoother and more weather‑proof than ever.
And in true BIRT Cup fashion, even the setback came with a sense of humor. As BU’s Tyler Crayston put it, after watching the skies open over Wheat City: he’s now looking for a rain‑coat sponsor — just to be safe.
