LAWTON, Okla. – Organizers today announced the Inaugural Jim Thorpe Memorial Classic (JTMC), a charity golf tournament honoring the enduring legacy of Olympic champion and cultural icon Jim Thorpe.
The two-day event takes place November 1–2, 2026, beginning with a VIP Reception on Sunday, November 1 at Choctaw Casino in Durant, Oklahoma, followed by tournament play on Monday, November 2 at Chickasaw Pointe Golf Course in Kingston, Oklahoma. The event will bring together Tribal leaders, executives, and partners for a day of meaningful connection and camaraderie on the course.
More than just a golf tournament, the JTMC is a celebration of legacy, leadership, and community. This inaugural event honors the extraordinary life of Jim Thorpe while fostering relationships that strengthen a shared commitment to excellence and service. Proceeds will directly benefit the Jim Thorpe Memorial Foundation, and the event is fiscally sponsored by the Tribal Leadership Council.
“Jim Thorpe’s story is one of resilience, heritage, and the power to inspire,” said Burke Thorpe,President of the Jim Thorpe Memorial Foundation. “This tournament is more than a day on the golf course, it’s a celebration of everything Jim Thorpe stood for. Every round played and every dollar raised helps us keep his legacy alive and deliver on our commitment to youth, community, and the belief that greatness lies within us all.”
Jim Thorpe stands as one of the greatest athletes in American history. A citizen of the Sac and Fox Nation, he became the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States in the Olympics, capturing two gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics in both the pentathlon and
decathlon. His athletic achievements extended beyond the Olympic arena to professional football, baseball, and basketball, making him one of the most versatile athletes of the modern era.
But Jim Thorpe’s story is about more than athletic prowess. It is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of heritage. From small-town roots to global acclaim, Thorpe overcame significant obstacles and racial barriers to achieve greatness. His journey embodies the
spirit of perseverance and serves as an enduring source of inspiration for communities everywhere.
Justin Barrett, President of the Tribal Leadership Council, added: “The Tribal Leadership Council is proud to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the Jim Thorpe Memorial Classic. This event reflects our deep commitment to honoring Indigenous excellence and strengthening the connections among Tribal leaders and their partners. Jim Thorpe broke barriers and defied limits his entire life, and through this tournament we celebrate that spirit while investing in the programs and communities that carry his legacy forward.”
Tournament Director Marcy LaFerr, Treasurer of the Tribal Leadership Council, noted the significance of this inaugural event. “We are proud to launch the Jim Thorpe Memorial Classic as an annual tradition,” said LaFerr. “Every swing, every hole, and every interaction during this
tournament contributes to something larger, the preservation of Jim Thorpe’s legacy as a Native trailblazer and the advancement of programs that create real opportunities for Native youth and communities.”
The event schedule is as follows:
Sunday, November 1, 2026
VIP Event at Choctaw Casino, Durant, Oklahoma (More information to come)
Monday, November 2, 2026
8:00 AM – Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM – Shotgun Start
Chickasaw Pointe Golf Course
12428 Chickasaw Pointe Road, Kingston, OK 73439
Registration and sponsorship information is available at https://birdease.com/jimthorpe. For questions about the tournament, please contact jimthorpe@triballeadershipcouncil.com
JTMC Executive Committee
Burke Thorpe, President – Jim Thorpe Memorial Foundation
Brent Smith, Board Member – Jim Thorpe Memorial Foundation
Justin Barrett, President – Tribal Leadership Council
Marcy LaFerr, Treasurer – Tribal Leadership Council
Victor Flores, President – Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium