FALCONER – Colin Speta was a young man full of life, and one who always tried to help others.

When he passed away in August 2009, due to a boating accident on Chautauqua Lake, many volunteer organizations helped in the search. Family and friends were naturally devastated by his tragic loss. But they have followed his example, and chose one of his favorite pastimes to remember him and “help the helpers.”

This year, the seventh annual Colin Speta Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Sunday, June 14, at Breezewood Golf Links. Previous tournaments have raised nearly $19,000, which has been donated back to many local volunteer fire departments and emergency organizations. This year, the tournament will benefit the Kennedy Volunteer Fire Department.

Colin’s family wants everyone to know how grateful they are to all these volunteers. These people give up a lot of their own time to be ready to help others in times of emergency. The costs for training and equipment can be very high. Kim Speta, Colin’s mother, said, “That’s what the tournament’s about. It’s mainly to say, ‘Thank you’ and pay back all the volunteers that were there, and also a celebration of Colin’s life.”

Because Colin was so passionate about the things he enjoyed, his family and friends also keep watch around the area for other people and groups who are passionate about their goals. The Colin Speta Memorial Award has been presented twice to area residents to help them pursue their dreams.

Family members stated that they were so very thankful for all the volunteers and donations that make the tournament possible. So many people realize that emergency responders are so vitally important, and they want to help keep them ready to answer the call. Power Drives, where Colin worked, has been very supportive.

The Colin Speta Memorial is a fun tournament and a family-friendly event. People participate to have a good time and support a worthy cause, even if they aren’t great golfers. The day starts out with a continental breakfast, then hot dogs while players are on the course and a barbecue dinner after the course in completed. Teams play for prizes, including again this year the $10,000 Hole-In-One prize. A Chinese auction and 50/50 drawings will also take place.

The tournament has been very popular, so teams wishing to participate should sign up as soon as possible. Check-in for the tournament will begin at 8 a.m., with tee-off at 9 a.m. June 14. The cost per foursome is $220, and includes 18 holes of golf, cart and homemade food. The Beightol family and Breezewood Links are always enthusiastic for charity tournaments. Non-golfers can participate in the Chinese auction as well.

Donations are being accepted for prizes and auction items as well. Any business or organization can contact the family about sponsoring a hole for the tournament.

Anyone who would like to register for the tournament, make a donation or get more information may call 499-6473 or 267-2325. You may also visit the website, colinspeta.com. If you don’t golf, but would like to make a donation to the Colin Speta Memorial Fund, checks can be made out to the fund and mailed c/o Kimberly and Dale Speta, 356 Miller Valley Road, Kennedy, NY 14747. Colin’s family remain eternally grateful for all the support that enables then to have Colin remembered with a legacy that can help so many others, now and in the years to come.

Breezewood Golf Links is located at 4335 Dean School Road, Falconer.