THUNDER BAY – Thanks to an anonymous donor, the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games’ Draft an athlete program could see an additional $50,000 in its coffers.
Members of the organizing committee announced the donor has pledged to match up to $25,000 toward the program, which aims to sponsor as many as 300 participating athletes at $500 apiece to help defray some of the costs associated with attending the Games.
Warren Giertuga, the lead on the Draft an Athlete program, said the Mystery Match Day will be held on Nov. 21, allowing the public to draft an athlete from midnight to 6 p.m. then bring their donation between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to the Chanterelle on Park, ahead of a special party being held at the restaurant later that night.
It’s a great way to get involved and ensure as many athletes as possible get to enjoy the Games.
“We’re super excited to have this mystery sponsor come on board,” Giertuga said.
“Obviously as a community we have to raise a bunch of money to support the Games and host the Games. By doing Draft an Athlete, you come on board to essentially help support individual athletes to attend and actually participate on the Games.”
Giertuga said it costs a substantial amount of money for each athlete to attend the event, and while the $1,000 won’t cover all the costs, it does help pare it down.
“You’re just supporting that athlete, allowing them to pursue their dreams and to participate in the Games here locally.”
The announcement came shortly after students in Confederation College’s developmental support worker program announced they’d raised a total of $21,000 toward the program, including $12,000 from last spring’s polar bear plunge.
College president Kathleen Lynch also confirmed the school was forming a partnership with the Special Olympic's Canada Winter Games, encouraging students from a variety of programs to donate their time and skills to the February 2020 event.
Culinary students will be cooking meals for participants, while those in the police foundations program have volunteered their time to help create a security plan for the Games.
“Really it came from the ground up here with our staff and students, who all wanted to be part of these Games,” Lynch said. “We don’t get this opportunity often to showcase Thunder Bay and our commitment to Thunder Bay and Special Olympics, so naturally people wanted to see how they could help.”
Mystery Match donations may be made online, or in person with cash, cheques or credit cards. Arrangements can be made with Giertuga to pick them up on Nov. 21, by emailing him at wgiertuga@tbaytel.net or phoning him at 630-4550.
