WINNIPEG, MB – Volunteers have been at the heart of Golf Manitoba since its founding in 2003 and prior to that for both the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association (MLGA) and the Manitoba Golf Association (MGA). The time and expertise volunteers donate year after year enable Golf Manitoba to achieve its goals. The volunteer contribution, dedication and commitment are vital to the growth of the organization.

Each year, Golf Manitoba recognizes the outstanding individual contributions of a long-serving volunteer through its Distinguished Service Award. The criteria for the award is long-time service to Golf Manitoba (including Manitoba Golf Association & Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association); going above and beyond the expectations of a volunteer; proving to be an advocate for the game and the Association, demonstrated commitment to amateur golf in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario and displaying qualities of a positive role model for other volunteers.

After a combined 52 years of volunteerism to the sport of golf, Golf Manitoba is pleased to recognize Brenda & Dennis Prystayko as this year’s recipients of the Golf Manitoba Distinguished Service Award.

Brenda’s volunteerism in golf began in 1990 with the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association where she served as a Board member and a non-playing captain for numerous junior girl’s provincial teams. When the MLGA merged to become Golf Manitoba, she became actively involved with the junior girl’s development teams that competed in the ladies Nassau League, Western Canada and Canada Summer Games and at national level championships. Brenda’s enthusiasm and her involvement directly contributed to the success of the junior girl’s program where many of her past players have continued to play competitively at university and provincial level championships.

Brenda has been an excellent role model for junior girl’s golf in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario where she created an atmosphere that made playing competitive golf fun. The Nassau team alumni speak fondly of their experience and continue to enjoy their relationship with Brenda. Every parent and every junior girl who where fortunate to know Brenda have nothing but nice things to say about her contributions and her genuine interest in wanting to help and grow junior girls golf.

Brenda Prystayko’s volunteer highlights:

• Began volunteering with the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association (MLGA) in 1990
• Previous Board member of the MLGA
• Non-Playing Captain for Provincial teams with the MLGA
• Manager for Team Manitoba at the 2011 Western Canada Games
• Manager for Team Manitoba at the 2013 Canada Games
• Manager for Team Manitoba at the 2017 Canada Games
• Non-Playing Captain for Team Manitoba numerous times at the Canadian Junior
• Non-Playing Captain for the Junior Girls Nassau Team since their inception in 2008

Dennis Prystayko’s volunteerism began in 1998 with the then Manitoba Golf Association and most recently with Golf Manitoba. He has dedicated countless hours assisting with the junior boy’s development program where he acted as a non-playing captain for the junior teams that competed in the Mundie Putter league and at national junior championships. His leadership skills are exceptional, and he has developed an amazing relationship with many junior golfers several of whom have gone on to play college golf, have become top provincial players as well as Club and Touring Professionals. Dennis has shown a genuine interest and dedication in helping to grow the sport of golf during his 22 years of service.

Dennis Prystayko’s volunteer highlights:

• Began volunteering for the MGA in 1998
• Non-Playing Captain for Team Manitoba at the Canadian Junior for many years
• Captain of the junior boys Mundie Putter team for 17 years
• Past member of Golf Manitoba’s Player Development Committee

Dennis and Brenda continue to enjoy their passion for golf and are both active, long-time members of the Pine Ridge Golf Club in Winnipeg.

“Golf Manitoba is very fortunate to have received so many years of dedicated service from both Brenda and Dennis Prystayko. They have been fantastic role models for junior golf and have been exceptional ambassadors for the association,” said Golf Manitoba Executive Director Jared Ladobruk. “And on behalf of our association and our volunteers, we are honoured to recognize Brenda and Dennis Prystayko as the Distinguished Service Award recipients for 2020.”

Past Distinguished Service Award recipients:

About Golf Manitoba – Golf Manitoba is provincial sport organization (PSO) for amateur golf in Manitoba. Its mission is to develop, promote, govern and service the sport of golf in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario for the benefit of all participants.

For more information:

Jared Ladobruk
Executive Director
Golf Manitoba
204-925-5729
jared@golfmb.ca

Volunteers have been at the heart of Golf Manitoba since its founding in 2003 and prior to that for both the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association and the Manitoba Golf Association. The time and expertise volunteers donate year after year enable Golf Manitoba to achieve its goals.  The volunteer contribution, dedication and commitment are vital to the growth of the organization.

Each year, Golf Manitoba recognizes the outstanding individual contributions of a long-serving volunteer through its Distiguished Service Award. The criteria for the award is long-time service to Golf Manitoba (including Manitoba Golf Association & Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association); going above and beyond the expectations of a volunteer; proving to be an advocate for the game and the Association, demonstrated commitment to amateur golf in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario and displaying qualities of a positive role model for other volunteers.

After 27-plus years of service to the game of golf, Lou Spado, will be honored with the Golf Manitoba Distinguished Service Award on October 23 at the St. Charles Country Club during the 2019 Golf Manitoba Annual Awards Reception.

Lou’s impactful volunteer career started in 1992 where he joined the Manitoba Golf Association as a starter and scorer for tournaments. In 1994, Lou served as the MGA representative for his home club, the St. Boniface Golf Club. His passion for volunteerism lead the retired Winnipeg police detective to obtain his certification as a Rules Official in 1996, a credential that he still holds to this day. In 2000, Lou joined the MGA Board of Directors which ultimately led to his two year term as President of Golf Manitoba from 2005 to 2007. More recently, Lou received his Level 3 Rules Referee certification through Golf Canada. In addition to these roles, Lou has served on a variety of Golf Manitoba sub-committees including co-chair of the Rules Committee, marketing, membership and tournament committees.

Golf Manitoba is very pleased to honour Mr. Lou Spado as the Distinguished Service Award Recipient for 2019.