Register now! 2013 Torch Classic lights up Bellingham WA June 26-29
Registration is now open for the Torch Classic, a 29-year tradition of friendly competition between employees, which will be held for the first time in Bellingham, Washington from June 26 through 29. This year the Classic is transitioning from a BP-sponsored activity to one made possible by independent volunteers and participants.
The annual event offers Olympic-style sporting competitions and a volunteer day. This year’s competition is open to all oil company employees, retirees, spouses, and contractors with a desire to carry on the tradition of competition and giving back to the community.
This year’s Torch Classic features more than one opportunity to support our community. A hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks Alumni Team will benefit United Way. The Northwest Fuels Value Chain has already started the giving by donating $10,000 to the event. Participants may also take part in a Volunteer Day to support environmental education by building greenhouses for Pioneer Meadows Montessori School in Ferndale.
“It is a great opportunity for people from all over to meet, make worldwide connections, share different views, and build lifelong friendships,” says organizer Ria Bordian. “The volunteer day will be a wonderful chance to get involved and give back to the community.”
BP Northwest Fuels Value Chain and contract employees are welcome to participate in any of the offered activities outside of work hours.
To get complete details about the 2013 Classic, visit this year’s event page. To sign up or volunteer, contact Ria Bordian. Stay updated on Facebook.
Torch Classic Event Schedule:
- June 24 – Motorcycle Ride
- June 25 – Tour of Vancouver, British Columbia
- June 26 – BP Dream Team vs. Vancouver Canucks Alumni Ice Hockey Team
A benefit for United Way of Whatcom County.
Game starts at 6 p.m., Bellingham Sportsplex.
*Want to play? The first 15 skaters and first two goalies to raise $500 each will make up the BP Dream Team. - June 28 – Volunteer Day – Build greenhouses for Pioneer Meadows Montessori School in Ferndale. No experience necessary. Supplies, t-shirt and lunch will be provided.
- June 29 – Softball Tournament,
Games start at 8 a.m., Conoco Phillips Fields, Ferndale - Softball (co-ed* and men’s) – Nine players minimum.
- Volleyball (co-ed*) – Six players minimum.
- Basketball (co-ed*) – Five players minimum.
- Tennis – Teams of two.
- Bowling – Teams of four.
- Golf (18 holes) – Teams of four. Players will be responsible for course fees.
*Co-ed teams should have a minimum of two women per team.
About the Torch Classic
The tradition of the Torch Classic began as a softball challenge between Amoco Whiting Refinery and Texas City Refinery employees. BP’s involvement started when the company merged with Amoco in 1998.
Incorporating a day of volunteering was inspired during the 1990 Torch Classic in Des Moines, Iowa when participants took a break from competition to help with Tornado relief efforts. It was such a positive experience, that beginning in 1993 an annual day of community service became a regular part of the event.