Upcoming Events
April 23, 2026 - Hoops for Hope 3v3 Basketball OFSAA Regional Event
April 2026 - Hoops for Hope Facebook Auction
June 2026 - GalaBid Online Auction
September 2026 - Ride for Liv
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Exporica Scholarship Awarded
Congratulations to Cheyenne Berfelz on being awarded the Olivia Rourke Memorial Scholarship, generously sponsored by Explorica. This scholarship will help support Cheyenne as she embarks on the Walkerton District Community School France & Italy trip in 2027.
Pictured with Cheyenne are trip organizers Mr. Troyer, Mrs. Lawrenson, and Mr. Bomhoff, along with Mr. Rourke, Olivia’s father.
Congratulations to the very first
Hanover Aerial Gymnastics
Olivia Rourke Memorial Award winners!
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Rising Star - Competitive Gymnastics:
Cuinn Sutherland
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Rising Star - Competitive Cheerleading:
Madison Shields
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Seize the Day - Recreational:
Lively Rock
Olivia Rourke Foundation donates $10,000 to support cancer care and research (July 7, 2025)
OWEN SOUND, ON — In a tribute to the life and legacy of 17-year-old Olivia Rourke, two major charitable donations have been made to support cancer care and research in her honour. The donations come as a result of the overwhelming success of the Hoops for Hope 3-on-3 basketball tournament fundraiser, an event Olivia had begun organizing before she was tragically killed in a car accident on May 23, 2025, alongside three of her softball teammates and their coach. The tournament was conceived by Olivia to raise funds for breast cancer research, inspired by her mother’s diagnosis in 2023.Determined to see Olivia’s vision realized, staff at Walkerton District Community School and volunteers from the surrounding community stepped up to host the tournament in her memory on June 7, 2025. Over 40 teams and 160 athletes participated, joined by generous donors, sponsors, and local businesses. Thanks to this tremendous outpouring of support, the event raised significant funds that have now been donated to: Brightshores Health System – Owen Sound Cancer Centre, where Olivia’s mother received exceptional, compassionate care throughout her breast cancer treatment.
Celebrating Olivia’s Legacy:
A Slam Dunk for Hope
(June 7, 2025)
WALKERTON, ON - On June 7, 2025, over 40 teams, 160 athletes, and countless volunteers and donors united to honor Olivia Rourke’s vision at the inaugural Hoops for Hope 3v3 basketball tournament. Held at Walkerton District Community School, the event was a testament to Olivia’s passion for community and her unwavering commitment to supporting Breast Cancer Canada.A heartfelt thank you to our title sponsor, Parrish & Heimbecker, and to Vince and Jenna Yenssen, whose dedication ensured Olivia’s dream became a reality, even in the face of her untimely passing.The proceeds from this tournament will be donated to Breast care and research and will serve as the Olivia Rourke Foundation’s inaugural charitable contribution, marking the beginning of a legacy of hope and support.
Announcing the Olivia Rourke Foundation
(June 6, 2025)
WALKERTON, ON - The Rourke family is honoured to announce the official launch of the Olivia Rourke Foundation—a charitable initiative dedicated to continuing Olivia’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and service. The foundation will focus on supporting youth-led community initiatives, advancing women in sport, and funding cancer-related charities and research.The Foundation is launching a silent auction to reflect and respond to the overwhelming outpouring of support they’ve received from the community since Olivia’s passing. Friends, neighbours, businesses and people from all over the world have reached out in incredible ways, offering their time, donations, condolences and encouragement. The auction is a way to honour that kindness and turn it into meaningful impact—raising funds for causes Olivia believed in while giving everyone a chance to participate and celebrate her memory in a heartfelt and lasting way.