Former Vernon Panthers player Zack Smith (left) thanks Ryan Paulson of Vernon’s Kal Tire after the local company became the title sponsor for the first Kal Tire Kalamalka Bowl exhibition football game. The contest will feature Smith’s University of Calgary Dinos taking on the UBC Thunderbirds Aug. 24 at the Greater Vernon Athletic Park at 7. p.m. (Roger Knox photo)

By Pete McIntyre

College football game

Kal Tire signs on for Vernon’s Kalamalka Bowl

Jul 6, 2022 | 5:00 PM

One of Vernon’s best-known companies is getting on board with a special sports event this summer.

Kal Tire has signed a deal with the Kalamalka Bowl Society to be the First Down (title) sponsor for the 2022 Kalamalka Bowl on Aug. 24 at the Greater Vernon Athletic Park (GVAP).

Kal Tire Kalamalka Bowl (Submitted image)

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The exhibition college football game will feature the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds and the University of Calgary Dinos, with a number of local products in the lineups.

“Kal Tire, the Kalamalka Bowl, it’s a great fit for us,” said Kal Tire spokesperson Ryan Paulson. “Supporting community sport is part of our DNA so it really just lined up nicely with our core values, our heritage here in Vernon and we’re just excited for a really good game.”

Founded in 1953 and named after Kalamalka Lake, Kal Tire has grown into an international business, with more than 6,500 employees in 19 countries. Canada’s largest independent tire dealer and one of North America’s largest commercial tire dealers, Kal Tire has always been active in supporting the Vernon community.

”We’re thrilled to welcome Kal Tire to the Kalamalka Bowl,” said Sean Smith, society president. “The society and bowl game was created to promote amateur football in our country and to develop the highest possible standard of sportsmanship and citizenship. These young athletes are amazing individuals who pursue the toughest double major of all; full-time scholar and full-time athlete.”

Among the athletes taking part in the game will be Smith’s son, former Vernon Panthers B.C. championship quarterback and defensive back Zack Smith, now one of a handful of ex-Panthers suiting up for the Dinos. He can’t wait to return to the scene of past glories at the Greater Vernon Athletic Park.

“I’m really excited to get another opportunity to play a game on my home turf back in Vernon against UBC,” said Smith, 19, a third-year receiver for Calgary. “I’m just thankful to Kal Tire and the community for making this happen.”

The neutral-site Bowl game will be part of a two-day event promoting football in the area, with a youth skills camp on Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 4-6 p.m. at the GVAP. This is open to all levels and all positions for minor football players under the age of 14.

The camp includes a ticket to the Kalamalka Bowl game. Register now at vdmfa.ca.

A free family event called Huddle in the Park will be held Tuesday, Aug. 23. Fans can meet players from both teams starting at 6 p .m. at Polson Park. The Vernon-based band, Cod Gone Wild, will provide live music from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Silver Star Rotary will operate a concession onsite for the evening.

The Kalamalka Bowl football game on Wednesday, Aug . 24, will start at 7 p.m.

Tickets to the game are selling fast and can be purchased through the society’s website at www.kalbowl.com.