COLUMBIA - The city of Columbia Golf Center will be renamed the James E. Clyburn Golf Center in a dedication ceremony to be held Aug. 6.

The Golf Center, located at 2091 Slighs Ave., was the original idea of Congressman Clyburn, who hoped to make it a community gathering center and a beacon of hope for children to learn important principles through the game of golf.

The preceremonial events will kick off with a golf demonstration at 7:30 a.m. by professional golfer Calvin Peete, and the 282nd Army "Victory" Band will perform a preceremonial concert open to the public from 9:15-10 a.m.

The dedication ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., and the public is invited to attend. No public funds will be used for the event and more than $140,000 has been raised from the private sector. 

According to a city of Columbia press release, Clyburn's dedication to the city, region and youth will be honored and recognized by city officials. The renaming celebration not only will focus on Clyburn and his contributions to the city, but it also allows the community to showcase a beautiful community center, prove its dedication to the youth and show pride in the achievements of a fellow citizen.

The ceremony will follow Clyburn's big golf event in Santee this weekend. Peete and actress and political activist Ruby Dee will be part of the festivities at the 17th annual Rudolph Canzater Classic.

More than 400 golfers are expected to participate in the Canzater Classic this year from all over South Carolina and from many other states as well. They will play on five courses: Lake Marion Golf Course, Santee National Golf Club and Santee Cooper Country Club in Santee and Wyboo Golf Club and Players Course at Wyboo across Lake Marion in Clarendon County. 

Peete, a celebrated golfer with 12 PGA wins, will provide a demonstration for tournament participants at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4 at Santee National Golf Course. He will also participate in the Scholarship Awards Banquet Saturday evening at the Quality Inn & Suites in Santee when 95 college-bound students will receive more than $250,000 in scholarships and awards. 

Ruby Dee, known for her work in 20 films and as a political activist, will participate in the Spouses Luncheon hosted by Emily Clyburn on Saturday at the Ramada Inn in Santee and the Scholarship Awards Banquet on Saturday evening.

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