To the editor:

In your editorial of March 20, speaking of the “the big summer events,” you say, “They are lucrative for a few people but are not needed by the community as a whole — and are a pain in the neck for a whole bunch of people.” As a member of the Board of Directors for the Can-Am Rugby Tournament, I take exception to this statement.

We are a volunteer board, and we do not employ any staff. Most of the tournament work is done by volunteers. We are a 501(c)3 tax-exempt entity, meaning there is no owner nor shareholders.

In a normal year the tournament attracts 100 rugby teams with about 2,000 players, numerous referees, and various family and friends. The teams are here for a three- to four-day period, during which time they rent rooms and spend money at local restaurants and stores. The tournament fees are likewise plowed back into the community: We pay for tournament expenses such as security, medical staff, room rental for referees, field rental, porta-potties, tents and supplies. After the tournament, we can provide about $10,000 in donations split up between various youth programs, youth sports groups and the Winter Carnival. In addition, we provide about another $3,000 in scholarships split between graduating high school seniors, Paul Smith’s and North Country Community College. This past year we were able to provide scholarships and (somewhat reduced) donations out of savings, but if there is no tournament in 2021, we will have to greatly curtail our community support.

I believe that the other large events (horse show, HQ in Bradenton, Florida; Ironman, HQ in Tampa, Florida; and lacrosse, HQ in Denver, Colorado) all have paid staff with a substantial portion of after-tournament money leaving the community. Maybe these tournaments are “lucrative for a few,” but the rugby tournament is a locally run event that has been in the community for over 45 years. As much as possible, the money flowing through the tournament supports the local community.

At this time, we are not sure if we will have a 2021 tournament. We will certainly follow New York state and county protocols, but please remember that no one involved in the tournament is making money off it. It is community vendors, charities and students who benefit and who will be hurt if we do not have a tournament.

Dave Staszak

Saranac Lake