SBG Bigfork raises over $17,000 for Tap Cancer Out tournament
TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 5 months AGO
Coach Cody Bessette with competitors at the Tap Out Cancer tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona on Jan. 29. (photo provided)
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | February 7, 2023 11:00 PM
Martial arts gym SBG Bigfork took home the Top Fundraising Team Award after traveling to Scottsdale, Arizona to compete in the Jan. 29 Tap Cancer Out tournament.
Tap Cancer Out is a nonprofit focused on providing funding for cancer research through their jiu jitsu tournaments, which have helped raise more than $4 million since 2011.
Coach Cody Bessette said their team was composed of seven competitors ranging from 6 to 13-years-old. 7-year-old competitor Cole Beard raised a total of $7,492 and won the Overall Top Fundraising Award for youth and adults as well as the Top Youth Fundraising Award. Bessette said the competition reached its $75,000 fundraising goal just in the knick of time, and no doubt thanks in part to Bigfork SBG’s large contribution that helped push them over the finish line.
Bessette said he’s thankful their community came together and entrusted them with being the face of this effort.
“We will continue to train and compete to ensure we are resilient in the chaos that life throws our way. These kids are a true inspiration to me as a coach. To the families of SBG Bigfork and beyond, our fight has only begun. We’ve proven that a small team can make a huge impact,” Bessette said.
To find out more information about SBG Bigfork or their other locations, visit their website at sbgmontana.com.
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