FINDLEY LAKE — As the first official round of competition got underway, Sen. Catharine Young (R,C,I-57th District) greeted veterans, active military members and first responders attending a special “appreciation day” held in their honor at the LECOM Health Challenge, a PGA/Web.com Tour event held at Peek’n Peak Resort in Findley Lake. Sen.Young praised the attendees for their selfless contributions in the line of duty and for displaying “an extraordinary depth of courage and commitment in protecting our nation, communities and citizens.”

Since its inception in 2016, the tournament has annually designated one day as “Military and First Responders Appreciation Day.” Upon presentation of a valid ID at check-in, all current military members, veterans and first responders, and their spouses, receive free admission and complimentary lunch. The sponsor of this year’s promotion was Hope’s Windows, Inc.

“I applaud the tournament organizers and sponsors for recognizing the importance of honoring those who serve and protect us. On July 4, we celebrated America’s independence and its birth as a free and democratic nation. Inherent in that celebration is a deep appreciation for the courageous men and women who were willing to fight for those freedoms and those who are still defending them in places near and far,” said Young. “That mission of protection and service also drives our first responders who provide critical and often life-saving aid on a moment’s notice, frequently placing themselves in harm’s way in the process,” said Senator Young. “They are all heroes and today is a sign of our gratitude.”

Young also thanked event organizers for providing another spectacular week of professional golf and special events surrounding the PGA/Web.com Tour to the region. She noted that “tourism to Chautauqua County has grown significantly since 2016 and the LECOM Health Challenge is one of the attractions helping propel that growth,” said Senator Young. “The magnificent course at Peek’n Peak, combined with our region’s natural beauty and cultural assets, make this an unforgettable experience for golf fans.”

Young noted that enhancing tourism and creating jobs were the goals behind $300,000 she secured in the 2018-19 state budget to help market the tournament to a worldwide audience.

“Chautauqua County is at a transformative point in its history. With the LECOM Health Challenge, we have returned professional golf and its national visibility to the region. We are preparing to open the doors on two world-class destinations — the National Comedy Center and the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel — and break ground on a state-of-the-art Athenex manufacturing facility in Dunkirk,” said Young. “The momentum in this region has never been stronger which is why I made it a priority to secure funding in the state budget to help promote this wonderful event as a destination for people around the world. The economic revitalization of this community is in full gear, and we want to keep the momentum high,” she concluded.

The LECOM Health Challenge kicked off on July 2 with a weeklong schedule of events. Four official rounds of tournament competition, broadcast live on the Golf Channel, take place from July 5-8, with a tournament purse of $600,000. LECOM Health/Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is the title sponsor while the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation acts as the tournament host. Proceeds from the week will benefit the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund.