THUNDER BAY – Warren and Joanne Giertuga are challenging community groups, individuals, businesses and even students to help Special Olympics athletes make their way to Thunder Bay next year.
Long-time supporters of the organization, the couple on Thursday helped the organizing committee of the 2020 Special Olympics Winter Games launch their Draft an Athlete campaign, asking donors to contribute $500 to sponsor an athlete and help cover the cost of bringing them to the city next February.
“This program provides an accessible way for our community to help Special Olympic athletes realize their dreams of competing at a national level, by enabling them to participate in the 2020 Games,” Joanne Giertuga said during a news conference at the Knights of Columbus Hall, where the host service club kick-started the campaign with a $3,000 donation, sponsoring six of the 900 athletes expected in Thunder Bay for the Games.
Financial status should not hinder one’s ability to participate in Special Olympics.
“The Draft an Athlete program will ensure that all 900 athletes get the opportunity to compete. Each $500 donation will help cover expenses, including, but not limited to, travel, food and accommodations, making a profound difference in the life of an athlete.”
All told, the organizing committee hopes to raise $450,000 through the program.
Mike Meady, district deputy for the Knights of Columbus Thunder Bay, said they’ve been long-time supporters of Special Olympics and said the Draft an Athlete program was a wonderful opportunity for his organization to continue that support.
“Awareness and bringing up the awareness is so very critical so very dear to every Knight of Columbus that we will do whatever it takes to challenge our community to step up and do the same.”
Local athletes, many of whom were on hand for Thursday’s announcement, said they were thrilled to see the program launched and how well received it’s already been in Thunder Bay.
Thomas Boyes, who was an athlete ambassador at the provincial Special Olympic Games in Thunder Bay in 2011, said it’s great to see.
“It’s amazing to see the community come together to show their support for our athletes and the city,” said Boyes, who competed at nationals in 2012 in Alberta.
The organizing committee also launched a new website www.specialolympics2020.com, which features athlete profiles, information about the Games and ways to get involved, including a secure donation portal for the Draft an Athlete program.
