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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, A pr il 11 ,2 01 9 | 18 Day drinking for a good cause: the Country Acres Beer Olympics is recruiting athletes for the annual event. Throughout the day, athletes will go head-to- head in beer-infused events as a fundraiser for the Ma- ple Leaf Sport and Enter- tainment (MLSE) Founda- tion. Going into the event's fourth year, Callie Shep- herd, organizer, said the event started to raise mon- ey for another fundraising event, the MLSE Team Up Challenge. The MLSE Team Up Challenge is a fundraiser for the LaunchPad. Teams compete in an all-day mul- ti-sport tournament to raise funds for the Launch- Pad. "People are expected to raise about $500," Shepherd said. "I didn't like the idea of going to my friends and asking for money, and I liked the idea of them get- ting something out of it." Thus, the Beer Olympics were born. In the first year, Shep- herd said six teams made up of friends and family participated, but the event has grown significantly. Last year, 12 teams partici- pated. Olympians participate in a series of organized drinking games through- out the day including re- lays, flip cup and beer pong. One event, "Louisville Chugger," Shepherd said was particularly fun to watch. "The Olympian chugs their beer, and however long it takes (in seconds), that's how many times they have to spin with their head on a bat. Then, they have to hit a baseball a certain dis- tance with that bat." Though the event is fun and lighthearted, Shepherd said, like the real Olympics, there were strict antidop- ing policies. "If you're an Olympian, it's mandatory if you've driven, you have to check in your keys," Shepherd said. "And you don't get them back until 8 a.m. the next day." Because of the nature of the event, Shepherd said participants are invited to camp out. Some teams have even arrived with camper trailers in the past or ar- range for cabs or rides home. Last year, the mother of one member of one team shuttled the Olympians to and from the event in her minivan. "We make sure people are being safe," Shepherd said. This year, Shepherd said they are only accepting 16 teams due to space con- straints. Each team member is re- quired to make a $75 dona- tion, and will receive a T- shirt, a barbecue dinner, snacks and, of course, beer for the day. Last year, the event was sponsored by Moosehead Breweries. A raffle is also held at the event with prizes in the past including signed gear from the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Rap- tors. Funds raised go to sup- port the MLSE Foundation and MLSE LaunchPad. The LaunchPad is a 42,000- square-foot facility for youth facing barriers can use sports to recognize and reach their potential. The LaunchPad is located in To- ronto's Moss Park. Through a "sport for devel- opment" approach, the pro- gram uses sport and physi- cal activity to build healthy communities and help youth reach their potential. The Country Acres Beer Olympics will be held on May 25. More information about the Country Acres Beer Olympics is available at facebook.com/groups/ countryacresbeerolym- pics/ or by emailing cal- lie.stirling@gmail.com. THINGS TO DO BEER OLYMPICS FUNDRAISER RECRUITING TEAMS Now in it's fourth year, the Country Acres Beer Olympics is a day of drinking games with all funds raised going to help the MLSE Foundation and the MLSE LaunchPad. Callie Shepherd/Photo BRYAN MYERS bmyers@metroland.com FreeSeminarsLIVeEntertainment GetinformationonHealth,Housing, Finance,Travel andEntertainment Indoors at the ROYALBOTANICAL GARDENS 680PlainsRd.W., Burlington RBGAuditorium Live Entertainment from THE ToronToAll STAr BiG BAnd C A N A D A ' S F I F T Y P L U S N E W S M A G A Z I N E Free Admission Free lootbags Free Parking (first 750) Indoors theLiv Ent tainment fr Make it a day trip to remember - See you there! Presented by Sunday, May 5, 2019 •10am - 3pm Groups and Buses WelcomeGroups and Buses Welcome YOU'RE INVITED! 905-842-6591 or Toll-Free 1-800-693-7986 ext. 740698 (Nancy) or 740699 (Bill) EXHIBITORS: For information onhow to showcase your business call Brought to you by Metroland Media Group Enjoy the Music of dr. J ThroughouttheDay SHOW 3pm to 4pm DO YOU HEAR Ringing? Buzzing? Book a TINNITUS Consultation Today! Hearing Testing, Hearing Aids and Accessories Ph: 289-891-8833 120 Mill Street, Georgetown It's Spring! Get Ready to Hea d Outdoors! 334 Guelph St. Georgetown • 905-877-0157 • www.adamsequipment.ca Mon - Fri 7:30 - 6 / Sat 8 - 5 Visit us for parts or certified small engine repairs & service. Your LOCAL Authorize d Toro & Stihl Dealer Rentals, Sales & Service for EVERY need! • Tools & Lawn Equipment • Skidsteers, Excavators & Trenchers • Light Construction Equipment