Page 7 - Donlin Spring 2020 Newsletter Digital

by Donlin Gold. Mark Leary introduced the entire ice road crew by name, highlighting their responsibilities and discussing the journey that many thought impossible. The celebration will go down in history as the first time the ice road was extended that far upriver. The road to Sleetmute now spans 355 miles from its lowest point on the river in Tuntutuliak. Leary said he has already been approached by citizens of Eek to extend the road even longer in
the future.
In addition to Donlin providing a significant financial contribution and food for Sleetmute’s potluck, a special thanks goes out to the many people of the region who pitched in: Esther Diehl from Aniak’s Hound House, Jim and Leslie Boelens for lodging, the Native Village of Georgetown, Rebecca Wilmarth of Red Devil for lodging, the community of Sleetmute, Tim Zaukar and crew from Crooked Creek and the City of Aniak for use of the welding shop.
2020 DONLIN GOLD BASKETBALL INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
By Colleen Laraux & Vernon Chimegalrea
Photo by John Wallace
Bethel Warriors Boys’ Team huddle during the Donlin Gold Invitational Basketball Tournament.
The Donlin Gold Basketball Invitational tournament was hosted by the Bethel Regional High School (BRHS) January 23-25 in Bethel, Alaska. The tournament included boys and girls teams from Bethel, Aniak, Scammon Bay, Galena, Kotzebue and Redington (Wasilla).
The Bethel Warrior boys’ team took first place as
did the Galena Hawks girls’ team. The Galena Hawks boys’ team and Bethel Warrior girls’ team took second place. The fifth annual event was well attended by nearby residents, as there were several local teams playing in the tournament as well as local students playing for the Galena teams.
This year Donlin Gold also hosted the coach and
chaperone hospitality room. Bethel Regional High
School Activities Director Paul Salzman wrote: “On behalf of the Bethel Regional High School
Athletic Department, I would like to thank you for
your generous sponsorship of the 2020 Donlin Gold Basketball Invitational. Your commitment to making this event so successful was amazing. Receiving your donation sent a buzz through the athletic department, basketball courts and student body at Bethel Regional High School.
The shirts were a major hit with all of the players and coaches. The food you provided for the hospitality room was a huge help. Our cheer team was also excited about throwing all of the Donlin gear out to the crowd. I received numerous compliments from the participating schools. Without your support we could not have had such a successful event. I truly appreciate your support of BRHS Athletics and look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.”
Donlin Gold is proud to sponsor this annual event because high school extra-curricular activities enhance academics, build character, strengthen self- discipline and promote teamwork and sportsmanship.
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