The Borchert Challenge presents an opportunity to create a legacy of recreation for future generations!
At Balaton’s annual Fun Fest, the Borchert Challenge will provide a social gathering and an opportunity to test your putting skills on a course designed to challenge you. A $10 entry fee gives you a chance to win $400 depending on your skill and success. ALL are invited to join in on the fun on Friday, July 5th at the Balaton Bay golf course putting green from 2pm to 5pm. The honorary guests for this year are past alumni who played, coached, or helped with girls’ basketball at the Balaton Highschool or through the Balaton system. Prior to sanctioning girls’ basketball in Minnesota, Balaton had a GAA, Girls’ Athletics Association program. GAA teams played for Balaton’s association from 1967-1973. The Balaton High School closed in 2000, and merged with Tracy and Milroy at that time to form TMB. The Balaton elementary remained in operation for ten more years and then was closed as well. However, community activities such as basketball and t-ball have continued to be offered in Balaton for youth over the years and many Balaton residents continue to play GBB, representing their hometown of Balaton.
The Borchert Challenge was started in 2021 by several Balaton High School graduates who were coached by Ron Borchert and want to honor his legacy of teaching the value of recreation by providing expanded recreational opportunities for Balaton residents and visitors. The Borchert Challenge https://balatonmnparks.net/ has an endowment fund set up through the Southwest Initiative Foundation for people to contribute to reach this goal. Check out the website to learn more about Ron Borchert and join our mailing list. We have big plans and big dreams, but it comes from simple values and a core belief that in community we can do great things. Come out and join us on Friday, July 5th for the social and putting challenge. Give online to this cause and sign up to be on our mailing list.
What legacy will you leave for future generations? Ron Borchert left his and through the endowment your gracious donations can invest in the future care and development of the Balaton Parks.
If you played girls basketball for Balaton or care about future recreation in the City of Balaton, plan to join us at the challenge on Friday to reconnect with other women who also played, visit with the Borchert family, and show your support for a legacy of recreation in Balaton. There will be a Borchert Challenge parade float entry, GBB and GAA past women ballers, plan to join the ride.
The Borchert Challege Team Chuck Anderson, Brad Knudson, Tom Rasmussen, and Sara Shingledecker
