An online social media auction hosted by the Special Olympics Bow Valley Chapter did very well. 

Lynda Jesse, in charge of administration, communication, and fundraising for the Bow Valley chapter says they were thrilled with the support they received. Auctioning off 48 items and raising just shy of $5600 over the ten-day period, Jesse states she didn't go in with a financial expectation being it was the group's first fundraising event. "We were very surprised and very pleased. We had never done this before so we didn't really know what to expect."

Giving thanks to the many donors that stepped up to support the auction, Jesse shares without their generosity, the auction would not have been the success it was. "We are very pleased with all the donors that came forward with wonderful packages, experiences, and services, it was beyond anything we could have ever really imagined. People really got involved with the auction and there were even a few bidding wars."

With the chapter only in its first year of operations, Jesse shares the monies raised will be going towards some clothing items such as hats, shirts, ski gloves, and team uniforms for the athletes, as well as, some key initiatives. "Some of the other things we are going to be using the money for is wax room rentals and equipment such as a wax table. We are also going to bring in some outside resources to talk to the athletes about nutrition and fitness because Special Olympics has a focus on overall wellness, not just the sport itself, so we are really going to encompass that this year in our program."

Representing the Bow Valley chapter, Elouise Stewart, Special Olympics Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist, was thrilled to learn how much money the auction raised. "I think it was amazing that Cochrane was able to pull together and support us in this way. I would like to say thanks to everyone who participated in this. It's going to be a big boost to help our ski team and help us grow into other sports too."

Excited to be one of the athletes representing our area, Stewart shares it has been a long time coming. "I know we have been working on getting the Bow Valley chapter up and running probably since about four years ago and it wasn't until last year that it finally came about and became official."

Another key component for holding the auction was to increase awareness. With more community members hearing that we now have a local chapter, Jesse and Stewart are hopeful more people will be attracted to join. "I am hoping it will; we have so many people in the Bow Valley area, so that is Cochrane, Canmore, Banff and the surrounding areas, that are eligible for the program. So hopefully we can get the word out so more people can step up because it is a program that even a beginner can say 'hey I'd like to try that' and come out and try."

While ski season is underway, the Bow Valley chapter looks forward to offering more programming in the near future. "We do hope to expand in the spring, we're not sure exactly what sports but we are open to anything. So if anyone wants to come forward as an athlete or bring up a specific sport they're interested in, then we can help look for coaches and see if we can get something going."

If you would like to show your support, you can come and cheer on four athletes representing the Bow Valley region at Provincials, February 8th through the 10th, by securing a free ticket to the Opening Ceremonies HERE.

 

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Special Olympic Athletes Need Our Support