Please note this story has been corrected since its original publication.
The New Westminster Salmonbellies Alumni & Friends Society is unique.
Started by former Salmonbellies team and general manager Jack Fulton in about 1999, it is the only known senior lacrosse alumni association in Canada.
The first goal of the association was to get former ‘Bellies together more regularly.
“I got tired of only seeing each other at funerals,” Fulton said.
(Fulton, a former New Westminster fire chief helped the ‘Bellies win several Mann Cups, in the 1950s and 1960s, through smart player acquisitions, in his managerial positions with the team.)
Beyond getting the guys back together, Fulton said the association also quickly set about raising money for causes related to the Salmonbellies.
Over the years the association has helped out players in need and given money to the Salmonbellies teams when extra funding was needed for such things as trips.
The alumni association continues to raise funds and contributes to many lacrosse-related causes.
“We have a very vibrant alumni that is very active in our community,” said Dan Richardson, current president and general manager of the senior Salmonbellies.
“(For example,) they raise money in our community for scholarships for kids who are associated with the Salmonbellies,” he added. This year the alumni association gave out 10 scholarships to youth.
Each summer the association holds a golf tournament to raise money. This year the event included a gala to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the ‘Bellies, which saw about 250 Salmonbellies alumni, their families, friends and supporters attend.
The event was MCed by Bruce MacDonald who wrote a history book about the Salmonbellies, which was partially funded by the alumni association.
“Fun was had by all,” said MacDonald.
Active members of the alumni association include former lacrosse stars Paul Parnell, Wayne Goss and Eric Cowieson, to name just a few.
