October 26, 2016
To Whom it May Concern:
I am reaching out today to see if you would be interested in supporting the first annual Tony Shirt “Day
Star” Memorial Youth Volleyball Tournament. The Tournament is planned for February 18-19, 2017…
we thought it fitting that the tournament fall on the Family Day weekend. While we intend to grow the
tournament in future years, this inaugural event will include a boys and girls division in the under 17
(U17) age category. The tournament will be held at Austin O’Brien Catholic High School in Edmonton,
Alberta.
August Anthony (“Tony”) Shirt was born and raised on Saddle Lake Cree Nation. Tony – or Day Star (the
Cree name he was given) – was an avid player, coach, fan, and all around supporter of the sport of
volleyball. He played from a young age and travelled around Canada and into the U.S. with numerous
competitive men’s teams, and his face and infectious laugh were fixtures around the courts of the
Edmonton volleyball community.
Tony loved to play volleyball, but he discovered his true love for the game when he began coaching. He
coached numerous high school varsity volleyball teams, including coaching the Strathcona Christian
Academy (SCA) varsity girls in Sherwood Park to a city championship. In 2012, Tony began coaching his
sons under the Alberta Volleyball club program. You could see the pride in his face when he watched or
talked about his boys excelling at the game he loved so much.
In January 2015, Tony was diagnosed with a rare form of colon cancer. He could no longer play
volleyball, but he continued to act as assistant coach for his oldest son’s team and was able to travel to
Nationals with the team that May. By the fall Tony could no longer coach, but you couldn’t miss him in
the bleachers at his sons’ school league matches. Through chemo treatments and surgery, he never
missed a game, and you could always hear his booming voice cheering them on.
Tony was called home to his Father on December 21, 2015 after a courageous and hard fought battle.
On that day, we mourned not just a loving husband, devoted father, and loyal friend… but also our
teammate, our coach, and our number one fan. This tournament is to honour the legacy and dedication
of Tony Shirt – our Day Star.
We are looking for support for the tournament in the form of sponsorships; goods and services for
concession, silent auction and raffle; donations; or any other means you may have to contribute.
Proceeds of the tournament will go to the Cross Cancer Institute and to the tournament host and
organizing team – the Strathcona Royals U17 Boys Volleyball Team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Elizabeth Shirt
Club Administrator
Strathcona Royals Volleyball
780-916-6907