A ceremonial check was presented to inaugural Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge winner Camilo Villegas. Villegas' winning pitch gave him $220,000 in winnings. Vijay Singh won two holes to finish with $180,000 while Stewart Cink finished with one skin worth $100,000 from the total purse of $500,000. Pictured, from left to right, are Keller George (Wolf Clan), Begay, Villegas, and Audrey Martinez of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The Notah Begay III Foundation was established in 2005 to create sustainable programs that are designed by Native Americans for Native American youth. The NB3 Challenge was the foundation's first national event. Inaugural Notah Begay Foundation Event Held Atunyote Golf Club - 8/27/08
The Oneida Nation's Atunyote Golf Club hosted the inaugural Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge on Aug. 26. The $500,000 skins game format featured five of the world's top touring professionals; Begay, Vijay Singh, Mike Weir, Steward Cink and Camilo Villegas. The event was jointly sponsored by the Oneida Nation and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians with all proceeds going directly to the Notah Begay III Foundation to deliver sustainable health and wellness sports programs, particularly golf and soccer, in underserved Native American communities. Begay explained that encouraging youth participation improves self-esteem and other life-changing skills such as decision-making, work ethic, communications and sportsmanship.
''The Oneida People are proud to join with Notah Begay III in this exciting initiative,'' said Ray Halbritter, Nation Representative and Chief Executive Officer. ''Native leaders recognize the importance of providing lasting hope and unique opportunities for the seventh generation. That is why the Oneida Nation has invested in the future by becoming a founding partner of Notah's Foundation Challenge.'' Keller George and other members of the Oneida Nation Council made special presentations to Begay, the golfers, and the San Manuel tribe at the conclusion of the game. Keller spoke of the Nation's commitment to providing for the seventh generation to come. "We will lead them along a better path tomorrow than the path we walk today," he said. The Oneidas presented plaques of appreciation for their assistance in Begay's efforts to golfers Villegas, Cink, Weir, and Singh. They did the same for three representatives of the San Manuel band of Mission Indians. Then, as a special cultural honoring, George and Nation Council members Brian Patterson, Ken Phillips and Dale Rood wrapped Begay in an Oneida-design Pendleton blanket. George then read and presented Begay a special plaque citing the unique and valuable strides Begay is making through his Foundation to help coming generations of Indian youth. The honoring ceremony included songs in their native language by a Oneida children's choir. Information, photos, video or graphics from www.OneidaIndianNation.com may not be republished, uploaded, posted or distributed in any way without the prior approval of Oneida Indian Nation Communications. Permission is for one time use only. Any use of this material must be credited to: Oneida Indian Nation.
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