To the editor:

The goal posts are down, equipment stored away waiting for next year and the lines have faded from the 50th annual Can-Am Rugby Tournament. This summer’s event was the largest and one of the most successful events we have ever hosted.

The Can-Am Rugby Tournament is no longer just a rugby tournament. I has transformed into a major Tri-Lakes community event. This summer we hosted 120 teams averaging 22.5 players per team from 30 states and four Canadian provinces. For the first time in our history, we hosted wheelchair rugby at the Tupper Lake Civic Center, expanding our reach to the Tri-Lakes.

Away from the 14 fields and the lone wheelchair rugby court we use, we also hosted the Can-Am Carnival in Riverside Park including live bands, bouncy houses, caricatures and providing an opportunity for other community groups to host bake sales, games and other options. This event is in its third year and getting better each summer, a free, truly family friendly experience for locals and ruggers alike.

The host club of Can-Am, the Mountaineers Rugby Football Club, in partnership with the Hotel Saranac proudly presented the Mountaineers Black Jacket Welcome Party where the club was recognized by the village of Saranac Lake with a Walk of Fame plaque. The Can-Am was always honored with this recognition as well as a state proclamation by Assemblymen Billy Jones. It was a great evening with past and present Mountaineers players and supporters in attendance inducting the newest members to the Mountaineer Black Jacket Hall of Fame, Mark Buckley and Cameron Moody.

As we look at the future, we worked with the North Country Sports Council and others to build an economic impact report to see not only what we have done but what we can improve and where we can do more. This past summer, we have seen dramatic increases with our total economic impact coming in at over $6.5 million and a 20% year-over-year increase. As we advertise and encourage our teams to utilize the businesses that support us, we are happy to say that we had a combined impact of nearly $5 million on lodging, food and beverages and an impressive $312 average daily spend rate per person over an average of three-and-a-half days.

In closing, Can-Am and the Mountaineers would like to thank all of our supporters and ask that you all continue to support us in our journey to host another 50 years of rugby and events in our beloved Tri-Lakes communities. For the 51st annual Can-Am Tournament, we are hoping to increase our impact and support of our area. Rugby is our game and passion but we love being a major part of Adirondack events and being able to give back to our local communities, youth groups, events and scholarships for the local schools and we are excited to have expanded into Tupper Lake and Lake Placid while still calling Saranac Lake the home of Can-Am Rugby.

Cameron Moody

Director

Can-Am Rugby