SBG Bigfork raises over $17,000 for Tap Cancer Out tournament

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.