Holman (May 10/04) - Holman will play host to this year's Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament.

The tournament is held in alternate years in NWT and Nunavut. Last year's tournament was held on a course carved out of sea ice in Cape Dorset. In 2002 the tournament was in Fort Simpson.

Peter Gzowski, the popular CBC broadcaster, founded the event in 1986. PGI golf tournaments held across Canada have raised more than $7.6 million for literacy over the past 18 years.

Rick Mercer from CBC's Monday Report, Jonathan Torrens from the Trailer Park Boys, and Shelagh Rogers from CBC Radio's Sounds Like Canada will join NWT celebrities Mike Stevens, George Tuccaro, John Tees and Millie Kuliktana in Holman for the event.

Cate Sills, executive director of the NWT Literacy Council, said the event not only raises money for community literacy programs, but raises awareness of literacy issues as well.

"It leaves a lasting impression on the host community," she said.

She said the Literacy Council often sees an increased interest in their programs in the host community after the tournament.

Holman organizer Joanne Ogina said the community is already enthusiastic about literacy. The librarian sees good turn-outs for after-school programs, drum dances and the very popular moms and tots program.

Ogina said the Holman committee invited Kugluktuk author Millie Kuliktana and Debbie Gordon-Ruben to attend.

It's up to mayor Gary Bristow to come up with the golfing events for the celebrities.

The planeload of stars is scheduled to touch down in Holman Tuesday, May 18 and fly out on Thursday.

While in Holman the guests will take part in a community feast, go on a tour of the community and visit schools and day cares. The golf tournament takes Wednesday, May 19 at 1 p.m. at the Holman Golf Course.