BRANDON - The Bobcats' highly successful charity golf tournament has a brand-new title sponsor for the foreseeable future.
 
Sunrise Credit Union will be taking over the lead role of the BIRT Cup after inking a five-year partnership deal.
 
"Sunrise Credit Union is honoured to support the significant mission of the BIRT Cup through our sponsorship of this fundraising golf tournament," says Sunrise Credit Union President & CEO Tim Klassen. "Giving back to the community is a fundamental and core part of our company's values, and the BIRT Cup reflects those values through its dedication and commitment to supporting local community projects and initiatives."
 
BU Athletics has operated the BIRT Cup since 2018 and during that time over half a million dollars has been raised for student-athlete scholarships and local causes.
 
The tournament expanded to a double shotgun start in recent years and raised a record $100,000 in 2024.
 
The BIRT Cup has a storied history and was founded by Bobcat hockey alum Scott Hlady and long-time friend Dwayne Gylywoychuk in 2008.
 
Brandon University Sports Wall of Famer, the late Neil Andrews coined the acronym - BIRT - when he was Hlady's baseball coach. It stands for basics, intensity, respect and team.
 
The 2026 Sunrise Credit Union Bobcat BIRT Cup will take place on Friday, July 3 at Wheat City Golf Course.
 
Charitable recipients for next summer's tournament have also been finalized:

• Bobcat student-athletes
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westman
• Cartwright's Mac Robinson Community Centre
• Elkhorn District Community Centre
• KidSport Westman Region
• Wawanesa Curling Club
• Wheat City Wrangler Lacrosse Association

Sunrise being significantly tied to the Bobcats' biggest fundraiser was a logical step after the credit union served as presenting sponsor of the 2025 U SPORTS Men's Volleyball Championship. History was made in dramatic fashion last spring as BU hosted and won the program's first-ever national title as the eighth-seed of the tournament.