Oklahoma Sports Officials to Hold Golf Tournament Benefiting Children's Cancer Care

A group of Oklahoma high school sports officials is preparing to host its yearly charity golf tournament, with all proceeds going toward children's health care in the state.

The event is organized by Officials vs. Cancer, a nonprofit started by longtime official Leland Searcy. The idea took shape in 2016, when the daughter of one of Searcy's fellow referees was diagnosed with cancer. Searcy said doctors found a way to treat the illness and keep it from worsening, but the experience left a lasting mark on him.

The situation led Searcy to look into how cancer funding is distributed. He said 96 percent of federal dollars donated to cancer centers across America go to adult cancer centers, while only four percent goes to children's cancer centers.

In 2017, with help from other officials around Oklahoma, Searcy formed Officials vs. Cancer. He said the connection was a natural one. "We work with kids, officials work with kids in Oklahoma, so it only made sense to start a foundation," Searcy said.

This year's tournament is scheduled for Friday, June 16, at John Conrad golf course in Midwest City. It is open to the public, and Searcy said there are no qualifications to take part. Past and expected participants include coaches, officials and businesspeople. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and spots remain for both individual players and teams.

Money raised goes to the Children's Health Foundation in Oklahoma City. Linzy Farrant, the foundation's chief development officer, said the organization has existed for forty years and raises funds for pediatric research, education and care for Oklahoma's children.

Farrant said gifts such as those from the golf tournament stay in the state and support young patients. "We want to be sure that those kiddos that have been diagnosed or being currently treated at Children's are receiving the best care," she said.

Organizers noted that many prizes have been donated for the tournament, which means every dollar raised goes directly toward helping children. Searcy said the event is also enjoyable for those involved. "Any time you're doing something for the children of Oklahoma, it's fun," he said.